Chicago Bears HC sends message to star player by ruling him out

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 5:01 PM ET

The Chicago Bears are 4-3 before getting set to play the 3-5 Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

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Chicago enters the Week 9 contest tied with the Carolina Panthers for the eighth-best record in the NFC. The Bears are a half-game back from the banged-up San Francisco 49ers for the NFC’s 7th seed.

Following a disheartening 30-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, the Bears need to bounce back against a Bengals squad that is without Joe Burrow, on injured reserve with a toe injury.

On Friday, the Bears revealed four players would miss Sunday’s contest against Cincinnati.

Wide receiver Luther Burden III (concussion), running back Roschon Johnson (back), defensive end Dominique Robinson (ankle) and running back D’Andre Swift (groin) will not play the Bengals. Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga is questionable with a knee injury.

#Bears Friday Injury Report pic.twitter.com/yltDoeilf5

— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) October 31, 2025

The Chicago Bears sent a message to D’Andre Swift

NFL: Chicago Bears Training Camp D’Andre Swift at Chicago Bears training camp – Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

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During his news conference on Friday, Bears head coach sent a message to Swift, saying Chicago needed to save Swift from himself by giving the running back a week off.

“Sometimes you have to protect the player from himself,” Johnson said, via CHGO Bears.

Ben Johnson acknowledges that at some point the Bears may have to consider giving D'Andre Swift a week off. Says Swift wants to be out there:

"Sometimes you have to protect the player from himself."

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) October 31, 2025

Swift is the Bears leading rusher through the first seven games. He’s carried the ball 100 times for 464 yards and four touchdowns. He’s added 192 receiving yards and one touchdown on 18 receptions, making him Chicago’s third-leading receiver.

Swift will be a big miss for the Bears on Sunday, but hopefully the week off allows him to be fully healthy for a second-half push in the regular season. Still, it’s not an ideal week for Swift to miss with Roschon being ruled out as well.

The Bears will rely on seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai to lead the backfield. He’s rushed 42 times for 186 yards and one touchdown through the first seven games.

NFL: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to hand off the ball to Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) during the second quarter of the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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