Kyle Monangai rushed 13 times for 36 yards in the Bears’ Divisional round loss to the Rams, adding four receptions for 36 additional yards.

19 January 2026

Monangai’s strong rookie season officially comes to an end. The seventh-rounder didn’t waste any time working his way into the Bears’ running back rotation last offseason, and popped up to rush for 169-783-5 as a rookie. Monangai’s 18 receptions for 164 yards could hint at increased usage in the passing game next season, and he also saw four or more targets in three of his final five games this season — including Sunday’s playoff game. While it seems unlikely he’ll be usurping D’Andre Swift on the running back depth chart next season, Monangai is clearly playing the “David Montgomery role” in Ben Johnson’s offense and thrived in that role in his rookie campaign. While it’s too early to say he’ll have any standalone value in 2026 fantasy leagues, Monangai is undoubtedly one of the top handcuffing options at the position next season.