The Chicago Bears have rolled through the first three days of training camp, but one sudden absence is starting to raise eyebrows at Halas Hall.
Running back Kyle Monangai has now missed two straight days, and there has been no explanation for why he is not with the team. Multiple Bears reporters noted the absence, including Patrick Finley, who wrote: “#Bears RB Kyle Monangai isn’t out here for the second straight day.”
That is a notable development because Monangai was one of the Bears’ biggest surprises in 2025. In 17 games last season, he ran for 783 yards and five touchdowns, while also catching 18 passes for 164 receiving yards.
The concern is not just about the missed practice time itself. One day away is one thing. Two in a row is enough to make people around the team want answers, especially with Monangai expected to have a major role in the offense this season as D’Andre Swift’s backup.
Swift and Monangai were a big part of why Chicago finished third in the NFL in rushing last year. Swift brought the speed, Monangai brought the power, and together they combined for more than 1,700 yards and 14 touchdowns.
There is at least one encouraging note on the depth chart front. The Score’s Chris Emma reported that Salvon Ahmed has stepped in for Monangai, practiced well, and appears to be handling the extra work effectively.
Ahmed has dealt with injuries over the past few seasons after an early stretch that looked promising with the Miami Dolphins. He is also in the mix with Roschon Johnson, Brittain Brown and Coleman Bennett for the third-string job.
Training camp is still in its early stages, but Monangai’s absence has already created an unexpected storyline for an offense that wasn’t supposed to have this kind of question so soon. The Bears had him on the field on Day 1, so seeing him out for two straight days is something worth watching closely. And with Ahmed getting those extra reps, the competition behind Swift and Monangai may be taking shape faster than expected.
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