Bears’ underrated position battle just became impossible to ignore after latest injury news
The Chicago Bears RB3 position seemed like a luxury spot on Ben Johnson’s offense, but that role just became even more important following Kyle Monangai’s initial injury diagnosis.
The Chicago Bears’ backfield just got a lot more complicated. Running back Kyle Monangai suffered a hyperextended knee during Sunday’s practice after being tackled from behind by veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, and while the early returns on the MRI are considered positive, he’s expected to miss multiple weeks.
That timeline puts the RB3 competition front and center heading into the final two weeks of the preseason, with major implications for Week 1.
The good news is, the Bears appear to have avoided the worst-case scenario, but after the whole situation with Coby Bryant’s injury, it’s worth waiting until the team makes an official announcement on how long Monangai will be sidelined.
Kyle Monangai’s latest injury opens up a significant role in the Chicago Bears’ offense
The other good news for Chicago is the RB1 spot requires zero debate. D’Andre Swift has looked phenomenal this offseason, putting together what has been the best training camp he’s had since joining the Bears and one of the strongest offseasons of his career.
He looks polished heading into another season of Ben Johnson’s offense. Swift did not play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Browns and after Monangai’s injury, I would be shocked if the Bears play Swift at all in the preseason.
“Here is what I know. I know D’Andre Swift is right where we need him to be right now,” Johnson said. “I was very pleased with what he looked like.”
However, Monangai was still expected to play a significant role in this offense and being without him for multiple weeks would be a big blow to the entire backfield that the Bears need to be prepared for.
The RB3 battle will be important to watch over the final two preseason games
With Monangai sidelined, all eyes will now be on the RB3 battle which is now a three-man race between Roschon Johnson, Savon Ahmed, and Brittain Brown. Coleman Bennett, the undrafted rookie who scored a touchdown in the preseason opener, was waived on Monday, trimming down the competition in the room.
Johnson got the start in Saturday’s game and led the team in rushing yards. Ahmed flashed receiving ability with a screen pass he took to the house. Brown also found the end zone. All three backs showed something, but only one or two will make the initial 53-man roster.
Johnson made it clear the winner of this competition won’t be decided by rushing ability alone. It will come down to who can contribute on special teams, hold up in pass protection, and be a complete back.
That standard could give Roschon Johnson the upper hand. He’s a physical, power-style runner whose skill set translates well to short-yardage and pass-protection duties and has experience playing for Richard Hightower on special teams. However, Ahmed does have history with RBs coach Eric Studesville and the Bears are interested to see what more he can offer.
If Monangai does miss time into the regular season, the Bears will need a back they can trust in all three phases, and Johnson’s versatility fits that mold better than anyone right now. The final two preseason games will tell the story, though. With a roster spot and potentially meaningful early-season snaps on the line, every touch, blitz pickup, and special teams rep will be weighed heavily for all three backs in this race.
