Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai is emerging as the workhorse that the Bears envisioned when they selected him in the seventh round of this year's draft. He had a strong debut in Sunday's preseason game against the Dolphins, rushing for 30 yards on six carries while working mostly in the first half. The Rutgers product showcased his tough, downhill running style, potentially mirroring the roles David Montgomery and Jamaal Williams filled as the hammer back in Ben Johnson's Lions offenses. Monangai logged 669 carries without a fumble at Rutgers, accumulating 3,221 rushing yards over four seasons, the second most in school history. Quarterback Caleb Williams and the coaching staff have consistently praised the rookie, and he is expected to be in the mix for touches alongside D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson in the Bears' backfield. He is a solid, cheap bet to make at the end of drafts in an ambiguous backfield.
Aug 12, 2025 12:14 AM EST
Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai was efficient in his first preseason outing against the Miami Dolphins. The rookie carried the ball six times for 30 yards and didn't play in the second half. Monangai ran with determination, averaging five yards per carry in his first game action. Although currently fourth on the Bears' unofficial depth chart, Monangai played earlier than current third-string running back Travis Homer and was much more productive. He has also been seeing some first-team reps in practice this week, so it's a promising sign to see Monangai perform well. The seventh-round draft pick should get more playing time if he continues to look good and will be someone to watch in the later rounds of fantasy drafts.
Aug 10, 2025 5:18 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai is getting work with the first-team offense during 11-on-11 drills at training camp practice on Friday, according to Zack Pearson of 247 Sports. Monangai was seen working mostly with the second-string unit in practices earlier this week, but the 23-year-old seventh-round pick is getting a shot with the starters at the end of the week. It probably has something to do with Roschon Johnson (foot), who is the favorite for goal-line work this year, dealing with a foot injury at camp right now. In addition to Johnson, D'Andre Swift is also ahead of Monangai on Chicago's RB depth chart heading into his first NFL season. A lot can change in this Bears backfield as the season progresses, but as things currently stand, Monangai will be the RB3, at best, in a change-of-pace role that won't yield a ton of weekly opportunities.
Aug 8, 2025 12:38 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai received the "bulk of second-unit carries" in the team's practice on Tuesday, according to CHGO's Mark Carman. A seventh-round pick out of Rutgers, Monangai rushed for 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 games in his final season with the Scarlet Knights. The Bears have veteran D'Andre Swift atop their running back depth chart, but it appears that Monangai could be pushing to unseat third-year rusher Roschon Johnson from the RB2 role. Carman noted that Johnson was still being utilized at the goal line, so it's possible that all three backs could play a role in Chicago this season. Monangai would need an injury to Swift to be fantasy-relevant in 2025, but he could emerge as an intriguing late-round handcuff option with a strong preseason.
Aug 6, 2025 7:58 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai has begun to earn the trust of the coaching staff. Head coach Ben Johnson said, "I'm very pleased with where he's at. I think he's a guy we're gonna be able to trust this fall," when discussing Monangai's development during training camp. The Bears selected Monangai in the seventh round (233rd overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Rutgers. During his final two seasons with the Scarlet Knights, Monangai averaged 1,270.5 yards per season and scored 22 total touchdowns. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Monangai's progression as he could find a role in the Chicago backfield. Last season, D'Andre Swift saw most of the opportunities but was very ineffective, posting a modest 3.8 YPC, which was the lowest mark of his career. For now, Monangai sits as the No. 3 option behind Swift and Roschon Johnson on the depth chart, but could be worth a late-round selection if he continues to gain traction.
Aug 4, 2025 6:52 AM EST
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said that rookie seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai has "really stepped up" during mandatory minicamp, including catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Caleb Williams during a situational drill on Wednesday. "I appreciate the attention to detail and the pride he takes and how quickly he's picking things up," Johnson said of Monangai. The 23-year-old Rutgers product doesn't have excellent speed or hands for a running back, but he could be an asset for the Bears in short-yardage and goal-line situations down the road. D'Andre Swift is Chicago's clear lead back still heading into the 2025 season, but Monangai could have a real shot to battle with Roschon Johnson for the backup role. And we all know that Johnson has a history of a two-back system from his time running Detroit's offense. Monangai won't be on the redraft fantasy radar, though.
Jun 6, 2025 3:17 PM EST
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