Ben Johnson: Kyle Monangai (thumb) day-to-day

No real surprises here after Monangai was ruled out for Week 8 on Saturday, leaving D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson to handle backfield duties in a difficult matchup against the Seahawks. The two had operated in a loosely split backfield before Week 7, during which Swift saw workhorse usage in a tight game against the Patriots. It would appear likely that Swift will once again see the bulk of the work considering the opponent, making him a surefire RB2 with RB1 upside to cap the Week 8 festivities.

No surprise here as Monangai hasn’t practiced since Week 4. He’s set to miss his fourth consecutive game against the Seahawks in Week 8. Roschon Johnson figures to continue to serve as the Bears’ RB2 with Monangai sidelined.

We’d be floored if Monangai got on the questionable line on Saturday. He hasn’t played or practiced since Week 4. We’re still waiting for some kind of positive movement here. Roschon Johnson will likely be Chicago’s second-string back again in Week 8.

Monangai has yet to practice after sustaining thumb and toe injuries in Week 4, with the potential that he misses his fourth consecutive game a very real possibility. The Bears held a walkthrough Thursday ahead of a Monday Night Football showdown against the Seahawks, meaning Monangai will have two more opportunities to get on the practice field ahead of Week 8. Fantasy managers are likely best making alternate arrangements considering the timing of the team’s game.

The Bears elected to have a practice Tuesday, as they prepare for a MNF matchup with the Seahawks, so they won’t have an injury report until Thursday. This isn’t exactly a strong sign that Monangai won’t make it back this week, but it also isn’t good news for managers that would like to see him active.

D’Andre Swift will serve as the team’s top back, while Roschon Johnson rotates in behind him. Johnson’s Week 6 fumble could result in less playing time. The Bears face the Seahawks in Week 8. Monangai was unable to practice all week. Hopefully, he returns next week and can be on the field on game day. Keenum will serve as the emergency third quarterback today.

Monangai will miss his third game in a row this week. Exactly two weeks ago, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Monangai’s turf toe injury would be an issue for 1-2 weeks. Technically, his statement remains accurate. This week’s Thursday Night Football game complicates things. If the Bears thought Monangai would miss four games, they likely would have put him on injured reserve, so he should, theoretically, be able to play in Week 8 against the Seahawks. Of course, nothing is guaranteed, and for those wondering, the Bears go on bye in Week 10. D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson have been splitting touches with Monangai sidelined. We do not yet know if Johnson will be punished for last week’s fumble though.

He hasn’t practiced yet this week and appears very unlikely to go on Thursday night. It would seem to be trending towards another week with Roschon Johnson as the backup runner for the Bears.

Bears coach Ben Johnson said Monangai is “trending in the right direction,” but remains week-to-week. D’Andre Swift should handle a sizable workload with Monangai sidelined. Roschon Johnson may be able to catch a few passes, but he makes for a shaky FLEX bet. Monangai should be stashed safely on fantasy football benches.

Exactly one week ago, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Monangai’s turf toe injury jeopardized his availability over the next 1-2 weeks. Unfortunately, he is on the wrong side of questionable at this time. Roschon Johnson could contribute on passing downs if Monangai cannot play, but D’Andre Swift will handle the majority of the backfield touches this week.