Bears rule out running back Kyle Monangai; Caleb Williams returns to limited practice
The Bears on Friday ruled running back Kyle Monangai out for Sunday’s game at Green Bay because of a toe injury. The team said Monangai will not travel to Lambeau Field for the matchup. The announcement did not include a timetable for his return. Chicago will rely on its remaining depth at running back for the road game.
Quarterback Caleb Williams returned to practice on a limited basis Friday for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury Sept. 20 against the Vikings. The limited session represented Williams’ first on-field activity since the injury. Team officials described the practice as an initial step in his recovery process. The Bears will monitor his reps before making a game-availability decision.
Chicago previously listed Williams as officially out in earlier injury updates while he recovered from the hamstring problem. In his absence, the team started either Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum, according to prior reports. The Bears did not comment Friday on who would start if Williams is unable to play. Any final decision is expected after the club issues its next injury report.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Monangai’s absence removes a depth option from a backfield facing a physical matchup in Green Bay and raises the importance of the Bears’ short-yardage and rotation plans. Williams’ return to limited practice is an encouraging sign, but hamstring injuries often require a cautious progression before a quarterback is cleared to play. The team’s prior use of Bagent and Keenum provides a clear contingency while Williams continues his recovery. Expect the Bears’ medical staff to monitor his workload closely in the days before the game.