The Chicago Bears have managed to stay competitive despite dealing with several injuries, but some absences are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. As the team prepares for its Week 7 matchup against the New England Patriots, two players stand out as contributors whose injuries have left noticeable holes on their respective sides of the ball.
One absence has affected Chicago’s ability to establish a consistent running game, while the other has left the secondary without a key piece it expected to have this season. Both players bring valuable skill sets to the roster, and their continued absences are making it clear just how much the Bears could benefit from getting them back on the field.
Kyle Monangai
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It’s no coincidence that the Kyle Monangai-D’Andre Swift duo averaged nearly 200 rushing yards per game before Monangai went down, only for the production to drop to less than half that amount in his absence. Swift is a versatile back, but he and Monangai complement each other with skill sets that make them particularly effective together. Chances are, Monangai won’t return until after Week 7.
The longer Monangai remains sidelined following his brilliant Week 4 performance, the more noticeable his absence becomes. Chicago’s running game has lost some of its intensity, and Monangai plays a significant role in providing it. Swift thrives on versatility, particularly as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield, while Monangai brings a physical, grinding style that allows him to power through the line of scrimmage. Getting both backs healthy would give the Bears a more balanced rushing attack.
Coby Bryant
Although Bryant has yet to take the field for the Bears this season, his absence has made it clear that the team was counting on his presence. The former Super Bowl champion was expected to form a tandem with Dillon Thieneman that could elevate Chicago’s defense. However, a preseason knee procedure has delayed Bryant’s debut until late December at the earliest, leaving the Bears without a player they expected to play a key role in the secondary.
The severity of the loss became apparent for a reason. Chicago was counting on Bryant to shore up the safety position, and after drafting Thieneman, the secondary appeared to have its pieces in place. Instead, the Bears have experienced a roller coaster ride in the back end of their defense and continue to search for answers until Bryant can return. His absence has become increasingly noticeable as Chicago tries to find consistency in a unit that expected to benefit from his experience and playmaking ability.
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