Bears Adjust Running Back Roster Ahead of Bengals Matchup

The Chicago Bears have made a significant adjustment to their running back roster in preparation for their match against the Cincinnati Bengals. With veteran D’Andre Swift ruled out due to a groin injury, the Bears elevated Brittain Brown from the practice squad to the active roster for Week 9.

Bears Roster Changes Ahead of Bengals Game

Brittain Brown, a 28-year-old running back, had a noteworthy preseason, accumulating 29 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown. Despite his preseason success, he hasn’t participated in a regular-season game since his rookie year in 2022.

• D’Andre Swift: Ruled out (groin injury)
• Roschon Johnson: Ruled out (back injury)
• Kyle Monangai: Expected to be the primary running back
• Travis Homer: Available but primarily a special teams player
• Brittain Brown: Elevated from practice squad

With Swift and Johnson unavailable, only rookie Kyle Monangai and Travis Homer remain healthy among the Bears’ 53-man roster. Monangai, a seventh-round pick, has averaged 4.4 yards per carry this season, totaling 42 attempts for 186 yards and one touchdown. He also has six receptions for 61 yards.

Monangai’s Potential and Game Strategy

Head Coach Ben Johnson faces a crucial decision regarding Monangai’s role. While Monangai is positioned to take on a greater workload, the Bears may opt for a balanced approach, distributing carries among all available backs. Brown could serve as a change-of-pace running back, potentially shifting the dynamics during the game. In contrast, Homer has limited experience as a ball carrier, with only six career carries resulting in 23 yards.

Bears’ Injury Report for Week 9

In addition to Swift and Johnson, the Bears will be without several other players against the Bengals. Notable absentees include:

• Luther Burden III: Rookie wide receiver, ruled out due to concussion
• Dominique Robinson: Defensive end, sidelined with an ankle injury
• Amen Ogbongbemiga: Linebacker, knee injury, currently on injured reserve

Burden remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol after his injury in Week 8. Robinson, dealing with a high-ankle sprain, is expected to miss several weeks, while Ogbongbemiga has been practicing and may be activated soon.

Upcoming Game Details

The Bears, currently sitting at 4-3, will face off against the 3-5 Bengals at 1 p.m. ET. With a reshuffled roster and key players out, the Bears are poised for a challenging game.