Bears’ RB Kyle Monangai returns to practice; listed questionable vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai returned to practice on a limited basis Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, marking his first session since he injured his toe and thumb in the Week 4 win over the New York Jets. Monangai has missed the past four games and the team listed him as questionable for Sunday nights home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bears will monitor his availability through their pregame evaluations. The team published the update Nov. 6, 2026.
Coach Ben Johnson told reporters before Fridays practice that Monangai is “getting better.” Johnson cautioned that toe injuries can be unpredictable and said recovery timelines vary from player to player. He added that the Bears are taking that variability into account as they prepare for the Buccaneers. Johnson noted those toe injuries can be fickle and require careful monitoring.
The Bears limited cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson (thumb) and Malik Muhammad II (toe) in Fridays practice; the team listed both as questionable. Left tackle Theo Benedet (shoulder), defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (groin) and linebacker D’Marco Jackson (ankle) participated fully Friday, and the coaching staff did not assign them injury designations. Benedet played all 70 offensive snaps in Monday night’s 34-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Johnson said some players issues surface after games when adrenaline subsides and they visit the training room.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the week with two players on their injury report. Outside linebacker Yaya Diaby has been ruled out with a knee injury. Receiver Emeka Egbuka is listed as questionable with a foot issue but was a full participant in practice Thursday and Friday and is expected to play.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Monangais limited return Friday offers a positive sign for the Chicago Bears, but his questionable designation underscores the uncertainty toe injuries can create, a point Ben Johnson emphasized. With Stevenson and Malik Muhammad II also limited, the Bears may face roster and depth decisions depending on game-day medical checks. The full participation of Benedet, Jarrett and Jackson is encouraging after a physical stretch of games, and Benedets full snap count Monday suggests continuity on the offensive line. On the opponent side, Diabys absence removes an outside linebacker from the Buccaneers depth chart, while Egbukas expected availability preserves their receiver depth for the primetime matchup.