Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift left Thursday’s practice session earlier than planned after appearing to deal with an issue late in the workout.
The team received a positive update shortly afterward.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Swift, who appeared in “significant discomfort” at the end of practice, suffered a “cramp.”
That diagnosis came as a relief to those watching the session.
The Bears open the regular season against the Carolina Panthers in a little more than a week. A cramp is far less concerning than many of the other ailments that can sideline a player this close to Week 1.
Swift enters the year coming off the strongest season of his career. He rushed for 1,087 yards last season and scored nine rushing touchdowns. Both figures marked career highs for the veteran back.
He also looked sharp throughout training camp.
Coaches and teammates have pointed to Swift as one of the more consistent performers on the roster this summer. That work has positioned him for a major role in the Bears’ offense.
The running game will lean on him early, especially with uncertainty at the other running back spot.
Kyle Monangai has been dealing with a knee injury and has not practiced. If Monangai remains unavailable, Swift will handle the bulk of the carries against Carolina.
The Panthers return an improved defense that should present a stern test in the opener.
Swift’s availability therefore carries extra weight for an offense looking to establish itself quickly. Bears coaches have stressed the need for a reliable ground attack to complement the passing game.
Swift has shown he can provide that kind of production when healthy. His combination of vision and burst was on display repeatedly during camp drills.
Thursday’s scare briefly raised questions about whether that momentum would carry into the first game. The cramp diagnosis eased those concerns.
Players often deal with muscle tightness during the final stretch of preseason work as they ramp up intensity. Swift’s situation appears to fall into that category rather than something more serious.
The Bears will monitor him over the coming days as they wrap up preparations. For now, the expectation is that he will be ready when the regular season begins. That would give Chicago a proven lead back at a time when depth behind him remains thin.
Swift has made a habit of producing when given a featured role. Last year’s numbers showed what he can do over a full season. The Bears will hope he stays on the field and picks up right where he left off.
Thursday’s practice interruption proved to be a temporary setback rather than a lasting one.
