Bears rookie Kyle Monangai could be primed for a major breakout in Week 9 vs. Bengals

The seventh-round rookie has played well with limited opportunities this year. He might be in line for a much bigger role on Sunday.

Sep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) evades a tackle by Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears could be without one of their best offensive weapons on Sunday. D'Andre Swift has missed both practices to begin this week with a groin injury, and his status for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals is currently up in the air. The coaching staff would be wise to take the cautious approach and let him rest for a week rather than sending him out there at 75%.

While Swift has been heating up since the Bye Week (to put it lightly), not all hope is lost. Seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai has played well as a change-of-pace option behind him. He's two games removed from an 81-yard performance against the Saints and has averaged 4.4 yards per carry this year.

Ben Johnson of rookie RB Kyle Monangai, via Bears Etc. Podcast

"He's playing well in all three areas: running the ball, in pass protection, and catching the ball. He's playing really good football right now. I do think you can see an uptick in his usage." pic.twitter.com/RPwROtlcA8

— Kole Noble (@AtoZ_Slaw) October 28, 2025

He's been decisive and has shown a strong burst out of the backfield. More notably, he also has a very compact frame at five-foot-eight and 208 lbs. The University of Rutgers product rarely goes down on first contact and has already had a few "angry runs" thus far. While he might not be as physically gifted as his fellow former Scarlet Knight, Isiah Pacheco, he plays with a similar (unfriendly) intent.

Monangai hasn't had much of an impact in the passing game through seven games. However, I think that could change on Sunday if he has a bigger piece of the pie out of the backfield. Swift has averaged over 27 yards per game through the air this season, and I think we could see an overcorrection from Caleb Williams when it comes to taking his checkdowns. Monangai was open out of the backfield when he threw his lone interception against Baltimore and also had a walk-in touchdown if Williams had seen him when he took a third-down sack in the red zone.

Another aspect that leads me to believe Monangai could have a big game against Cincinnati is just how bad they are at stopping the run. They've allowed a league-worst 151.9 yards per game and have given up 5 yards per attempt to opposing runners. Simply put, they haven't been able to stop the bleeding thus far. It won't get any easier to do so without their best defensive player, Trey Hendrickson, looking likely to miss the game with a hip injury.

Updating the #Bengals numbers on defense:

31.6 points per game - worst in NFL
407.9 yards per game - worst in NFL
151.9 rush yards per game - worst in NFL

(Will update pass yards after SNF) @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/6MLJlunPKZ

— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) October 27, 2025

Four running backs have already eclipsed the 100-yard mark against Cincinnati this season. I think Monangai has a strong chance to be the fifth. Pick him up if he's available on your fantasy football waiver wire. Thank me later.

More Chicago Bears News

• How Ben Johnson has the Bears addressing false start epidemic

• Bears count on a little bonus from Austin Booker's return to the field

• Tee Higgins and Bengals receivers only part of Bears matchup problem Sunday

• Cole Kmet's message about Colston Loveland for fantasy football owners

Sign Up For the Bears Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Chicago Bears Newsletter