Chicago Bears Offensive Weapon Pops Up On Week 7 Injury Report With Groin Issue

The Chicago Bears’ offense, which has shown new signs of life in recent weeks, is now facing a significant question mark. Star running back D’Andre Swift unexpectedly appeared on the team’s injury report on October 16 with a groin issue, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their upcoming home game against the New Orleans Saints. Swift, who was limited in practice, is the engine of the Bears’ rushing attack and a key playmaker for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.

D’Andre Swift’s Importance to the Chicago Bears’ Offense

D’Andre Swift has quickly established himself as the Bears’ most dynamic offensive weapon. Through six games, he leads the team with 70 carries for 295 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. More importantly, he has been a vital component of the passing game, hauling in 15 receptions for 152 yards and another score.

His impact was on full display in Chicago’s thrilling 25-24 road victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 6. Swift was the best player on the field, accumulating 175 yards from scrimmage on just 16 touches. His performance included a breathtaking 55-yard touchdown reception that broke the game open and showcased his elite speed and big-play ability.

Swift’s value extends far beyond his box score statistics. His presence in the backfield creates more favorable matchups for the entire offense.

• A Safety Valve for Caleb Williams: Swift’s reliable hands and ability to turn a simple check-down into a significant gain provide a crucial outlet for his young quarterback when plays break down.
• Opening Up the Passing Game: Defenses must account for Swift’s dual-threat capability. His presence prevents opposing coordinators from consistently bracketing star wide receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, creating more one-on-one opportunities downfield.
• Offensive Versatility: Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has used Swift’s multi-dimensional skill set to keep defenses off balance. His ability to run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and break off long runs makes the entire playbook more effective.

“Awesome to see him go do what he did and making a number of huge plays that were really important for us to get the win,” Doyle said after the Commanders game, highlighting Swift’s importance to the team’s success. Losing him, even for a single game, would be a massive blow to an offense that is just beginning to find its identity.

The Bears’ Contingency Plan

The prospect of facing the Saints’ tough defense without Swift is a sobering one, primarily because the Bears’ depth at running back is unproven. While Swift’s limited participation in practice is a positive sign, the team must prepare for the possibility of his absence.

The contingency plan would likely involve a committee approach:

• Kyle Monangai: The rookie seventh-round pick would likely handle the bulk of the early-down work. While a physical runner, he lacks the explosive burst and game-breaking speed that makes Swift a special player.
• Roschon Johnson: Johnson has carved out a role as the team’s short-yardage and goal-line back. He could see an expanded role but is not viewed as an every-down player capable of shouldering the full load.
• Travis Homer: Homer, who has been on injured reserve, is a capable role player but is primarily valued for his special teams contributions and pass-blocking skills. He is not a volume ball carrier.

The drop-off from Swift to the next man up is significant. None of the backup running backs possess the same ability to create explosive plays or threaten a defense as both a runner and a receiver. The offense would become more one-dimensional, placing a much heavier burden on Caleb Williams and the passing game to move the ball against a stingy New Orleans defense.

Broader Implications for a Team on the Rise

The timing of this injury could not be worse for the 3-2 Bears. After a shaky start to the season, the team has shown signs of turning a corner, and Swift has been at the heart of that resurgence. A win against the Saints would be a significant statement and would solidify their position as a legitimate playoff contender in the NFC.

The situation is further complicated by the health of star wide receiver DJ Moore, who was also limited in practice with hip and groin issues after an overnight hospital stay following the win in Washington. If both Swift and Moore are sidelined or limited, the Bears’ offense would be without its two most important playmakers.

For now, the situation remains one to monitor closely. While his appearance on the injury report last week before a stellar performance offers some hope, a groin injury can be notoriously tricky for a running back. The Bears and their fans will be holding their breath, hoping that their star playmaker can heal up in time for Sunday. If not, a game that looked like a major opportunity could quickly become an uphill battle.