This is a step up from earlier in the week. Monangai missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with thumb and toe injuries, and Johnson had said the thumb was no concern. The toe turned out to be the bigger problem. Johnson called him week-to-week, but said he is not a candidate for injured reserve.
The timing hurts. Monangai ran 30 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns in last Sunday's 23-12 win over the Jets, and he took over the lead role after D'Andre Swift was benched for a third-quarter fumble, his second of the season.
What is confirmed
Monangai is out for Week 5 and is wearing a boot. His return date is open. Swift (hip, knee) returned to practice Thursday as a limited participant, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said Friday morning the belief is Swift should be able to play. Roschon Johnson was the only other Bears running back with a carry against New York.
Chicago is also without quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring), and Tyson Bagent is set to start again, so defenses may crowd the line against the run.
What RSO owners should do
If you roster Monangai, move him out of your lineup for Week 5 and plan for at least one more missed game until the Bears show him practicing. Do not cut him. He is not headed to injured reserve, and the job could be his again when he is healthy.
