The Chicago Bears’ two primary running backs remained limited in practice Thursday as the team prepared for its Week 2 meeting with the Minnesota Vikings.
D’Andre Swift (ankle/knee) and Kyle Monangai (hamstring) were held out of full participation for a second straight day. Both players are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
“Bears RBs Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift are limited at practice again today,” the Sleeper NFL account posted Thursday.
The update comes after Chicago opened the season with a 59-37 win at Carolina on Sept. 13. The Bears piled up 291 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 39 carries.
Swift led the way with 18 carries for 124 yards and three scores. He also caught one pass for 10 yards and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Monangai added 10 rushes for 100 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown, plus two receptions for 24 yards.
Quarterback Caleb Williams completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran 10 times for 65 yards and two scores.
Chicago became just the third team in NFL history to post at least 291 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns in a single game.
The Bears now turn toward a divisional opponent. Minnesota presents a stiffer test than Carolina did in Week 1.
If both Swift and Monangai are unavailable, Roschon Johnson would be the next man up. The former fourth-round pick carried the ball only twice last season but drew positive reviews in training camp.
Practice-squad back Brittain Brown, who has five career rushes, would be next in line.Right tackle Darnell Wright (knee) returned to limited work Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. That was viewed as a positive sign for the offensive line.
Several other players remained limited, including defensive back Malik Muhammad (ankle), defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo (shoulder), offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo (knee) and safety Xavier Woods (groin).
Defensive linemen Neville Gallimore (illness) and Grady Jarrett (rest) both practiced fully. Guard Joe Thuney received a rest day.
Coach Ben Johnson’s offense leaned heavily on the run last week. Losing both featured backs would force a different approach against a Vikings defense that will try to slow the ground game.
Friday’s practice will be closely watched. Full participation from either Swift or Monangai would improve their chances of playing Sunday.
For now, the Bears have not offered a firm indication either way. The team is 1-0 and looking to stay unbeaten in the NFC North.
Swift signed a three-year, $33.75 million extension shortly before the season. The deal included $27.5 million guaranteed.
Monangai, a second-year player, missed part of training camp with a hyperextended knee before returning for Week 1.
The Bears host the Vikings on Sunday.
