Kyle Monangai Emerging as the Bears’ Backfield Anchor-And Possibly Their Future RB1
It took some time, but Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is finally leaning into what many fans have been clamoring for: letting the rookies run. Literally. And right now, no one is making more of that opportunity than seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai.
Over the past few weeks, Monangai has gone from a rotational piece to the engine of a suddenly potent Bears ground game. Chicago, once near the bottom of the league in rushing production, is now averaging 153.8 rushing yards per game-second-best in the NFL.
That’s not just a step forward. That’s a leap.
And Monangai is leading the charge.
“Holy cow!”: Ben Johnson’s Trust in Monangai Is Sky-High
When your head coach starts talking about a rookie like he’s already a cornerstone of the franchise, you know something’s clicking. That’s exactly what Ben Johnson did in a recent interview, where he couldn't hide his admiration for Monangai’s all-around game.
“Kyle Monangai, I mean, Holy cow! For a rookie, you would have no idea,” Johnson said.
“Not only is he a hard runner, willing to lower his shoulder, tough to bring down; but like this guy can do it all. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, excellent in pass protection-got a trust level with him that’s above and beyond.”
That trust doesn’t come easy, especially for a rookie drafted on Day 3. But Monangai has earned every bit of it-not just with his physicality between the tackles, but with the little things that win over coaches: picking up blitzes, catching passes in tight windows, and creating space with his blocking when the ball isn’t in his hands.
Production That Demands Attention
The numbers back it up. Through 12 games (with just one start), Monangai has racked up 591 yards and five touchdowns on 121 carries, averaging a strong 4.9 yards per attempt.
He’s also added 97 receiving yards on 10 catches, showing he’s more than just a downhill bruiser. His 70.2 grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 27th among all running backs-impressive for someone who wasn't even in the rotation early in the season.
And this isn’t just empty production. Monangai’s carries have come in high-leverage moments, and he’s consistently moved the chains. He’s the kind of back who doesn’t go down on first contact and forces defenses to stay honest, which opens things up for the rest of the offense.
What This Means for the Bears’ Backfield Going Forward
With D’Andre Swift entering the final year of his contract, the Bears have a decision to make-and Monangai might be making it easier than expected. Whether it’s exploring trade options or simply moving on to clear the way, Swift’s future in Chicago looks uncertain. Monangai, on the other hand, is trending in the opposite direction.
The Bears may have stumbled into something rare: a late-round rookie who looks like a long-term answer at running back. And if Monangai keeps this up, the front office might not just see him as part of the rotation-they might see him as the guy.
Next Up: A Crucial Test in Green Bay
Now comes the real test. The Bears are heading into Lambeau Field to face a Packers defense that’s made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. With Caleb Williams still finding his footing, the running game will be critical to Chicago’s chances of pulling off a divisional win.
Green Bay is giving up just 98.3 rushing yards per game, so Monangai’s ability to break tackles and grind out tough yards will be under the spotlight. If he can keep the chains moving and take some pressure off the rookie quarterback, it could be the kind of game that cements his role not just for the rest of this season, but for years to come.
A Stretch Run That Could Define His Role
We’re entering the part of the season where reputations are made. And for Kyle Monangai, the final few games could shape his trajectory in Chicago.
He’s already shown he belongs in the league. Now, he has a chance to prove he’s the kind of back you build around.
The Bears have been searching for stability in the backfield for years. If Monangai keeps running like this-angry, efficient, and reliable-they might have finally found it.