The Bears got an unwelcome development on Thursday when D’Andre Swift showed up on the Week 4 injury report after being a full participant a day earlier. Swift did not practice because of a knee injury, turning what had been a normal week into a concern for Chicago’s backfield heading into Sunday’s matchup with the New York Jets.
Chicago listed Swift as a true DNP on Thursday, and unlike Grady Jarrett and Joe Thuney, there was no note saying the absence was just for rest. Jarrett and Thuney also moved from full participation on Wednesday to DNPs on Thursday, but both were tagged as not injury-related. Swift’s situation was different, and that’s what makes it stand out.
That matters for a Bears team sitting at 2-1 and trying to keep pace with the 3-0 Minnesota Vikings. The bigger worry is that Chicago may already be operating without Caleb Williams again, which would put even more pressure on the rest of the offense to carry the load against New York.
If Swift can’t go, Kyle Monangai would be in line to handle the lead role in the offense, and the Bears can at least feel good about what he brings. But losing Swift would still be a real hit, especially with the quarterback situation already unsettled. Whether it’s Case Keenum or Tyson Bagent, Chicago would like a runner like Swift helping ease the burden.
The Jets aren’t a team the Bears can simply dismiss, either. Their offense has been capable enough, and their defense has flashed potential at times this season, which gives New York a legitimate path to a win in Week 4.
For now, Bears fans probably don’t need to hit the panic button. But a mid-week addition to the injury report, followed by a downgrade to DNP, is exactly the kind of sign that puts Swift’s status in doubt.
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