This will be the third straight game Monangai misses. He sat out Week 5 at Green Bay after seeing a specialist for the toe and spending time in a walking boot, then missed Week 6 at Atlanta. He was a non-participant on Monday's estimated practice report and again in Tuesday's walk-through, so the ruling was expected on a short week.
What is confirmed: Monangai is out Thursday. Linebacker Jack Sanborn (concussion) is also out, linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring) is doubtful after a limited session, and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is questionable. Right guard Jonah Jackson practiced in full and carries no designation, which helps the run game up front.
What has not changed: head coach Ben Johnson said last Thursday that Monangai would avoid injured reserve and was trending in the right direction. Nothing in this week's report points to an IR move, and the Bears' schedule gives him extra rest after a Thursday game.
D'Andre Swift should handle lead back work again. RotoWire expects Roschon Johnson to pick up added snaps behind him, as he did while Monangai was out the last two weeks.
For RSO owners, bench Monangai for Week 7 and keep him on your roster. He took over the lead role with a 30-carry, 146-yard game against the Jets in Week 4 before the injuries, and he is on a cheap rookie deal that runs through 2028. That is not a player to cut or sell low over a toe injury the team has kept off IR.
