Chicago Bears fans got a tough blow Friday when the team ruled out star running back D’Andre Swift for Sunday’s clash with the Cincinnati Bengals. The groin injury that’s nagged him for weeks finally forced the Bears to sit their top rusher, raising big questions about how the offense will hold up without him. What’s next for Swift and the team? Details ahead could change the season’s outlook.
Injury Hits at Critical Time
The Chicago Bears made it official on their final injury report: D’Andre Swift is out for the Week 9 game against the Bengals due to a lingering groin injury. This marks the first time Swift has missed a game since joining the Bears last season.
Swift popped up on the injury list weeks ago, but he played through the pain in recent matchups. Sources close to the team say the issue started before their Week 6 game and has been a chronic problem. Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson noted that they’ve tried managing it with limited practice, but rest is now the best path to full recovery.
Swift has never missed a game as a Bear until now, starting all 17 last year and all seven this season. That streak ends Sunday, and fans are left wondering if this could drag on longer.
The timing stings. Chicago sits at a pivotal spot in the NFC North race, and losing their leading rusher against a tough Bengals defense could tip the scales.
Swift’s Strong Season Cut Short
D’Andre Swift has been a bright spot for the Bears’ offense this year. In seven games, he’s racked up 100 carries for 464 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Add in 18 catches for 192 yards and another score through the air, and it’s clear he’s a dual-threat weapon.
His average of 4.6 yards per carry ranks among the league’s best, showing his speed and vision. Just look at his recent hot streak: 277 rushing yards over the last three games, with a 6.3-yard average. That’s the kind of production that keeps drives alive and defenses guessing.
But groins are tricky. These soft-tissue injuries can flare up with quick cuts and bursts, which define Swift’s style. Medical experts say recovery often takes one to two weeks, but for athletes like him, pushing too soon risks worse setbacks.
Swift, now in his second year with Chicago after stints with Detroit and Philadelphia, signed a three-year deal worth $24 million last offseason. At 26, he’s in his prime, but this injury tests his durability.
Team Faces Depth Test Without Him
With Swift sidelined, the Bears turn to their backups to fill the void. Rookie Kyle Monangai could see more snaps, especially after showing promise in limited action. Roschon Johnson is also out with his own injury, thinning the options further.
The injury report lists more absences: Wide receiver Luther Burden, running back Roschon Johnson, and defensive lineman Dominique Robinson are all ruled out. Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga is questionable with a knee issue.
This puts extra pressure on quarterback Caleb Williams and the passing game. Receivers like DJ Moore might get more targets, but the run game’s balance is key to Chicago’s success.
Here’s how the Bears’ running back depth shakes out without Swift:
- Kyle Monangai: The undrafted rookie has 15 carries for 62 yards this season. Expect him to handle most early-down work.
- Travis Homer: A veteran option for pass protection and third-down plays.
- Darrynton Evans: Could mix in for speed if needed.
Coaches say they’re confident in the group, but fans know replacing Swift’s explosiveness isn’t easy.
Broader Impact on Bears’ Playoff Push
Chicago’s season hangs in the balance. At 4-3 heading into Week 9, they’re fighting for a wildcard spot in a crowded NFC. Losing Swift, even for one game, could hurt against a Bengals team that’s won three straight.
Stats show the Bears’ offense averages 24 points per game with Swift healthy. Without him, that could drop, based on past games where backups stepped in. A 2024 study by Pro Football Focus found teams lose about 15% of their rushing efficiency when a starter like Swift sits out.
The defense, already dealing with injuries, needs to step up. If the Bengals exploit the weakened run game, it might force Williams into risky throws.
Swift’s history with injuries adds context. He dealt with groin issues in Detroit back in 2021, missing time then too. Bears fans hope this isn’t a repeat pattern that derails his year.
In the bigger picture, this tests the team’s resilience. General manager Ryan Poles built depth for moments like this, but execution on Sunday will tell the tale.
The Chicago Bears’ decision to rest D’Andre Swift underscores a smart, long-term approach to player health amid a grueling NFL season, but it leaves the team vulnerable in a must-win game that could shape their playoff hopes. As fans digest this setback, it sparks debate on whether the Bears have enough firepower to push through without their dynamic runner. What do you think—can the backups rise to the occasion, or is this a sign of deeper troubles? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to fellow fans on social media.
