Packers Lose Key Defenders Before Bears Face Green Bay

The Chicago Bears will be without running back Kyle Monangai against the Green Bay Packers because of a toe injury, while Green Bay enters the matchup dealing with major defensive losses that could affect its ability to stop the run.

Bears head coach Ben Johnson is also managing D'Andre Swift's hip injury, although the 27-year-old running back is expected to play, according to the source report.

The Packers lost linebacker Edgerrin Cooper for the season after an Achilles injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is questionable with a toe injury, leaving key parts of Green Bay's defensive front limited.

Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur addressed the impact of Cooper's injury after the team lost one of its important defensive players.

"He's a tough one to lose. We all saw what he was able to do in a half of football... My heart hurts for him and his recovery and what he's going through," said Matt LaFleur, Packers head coach.

LaFleur said Cooper's absence created an emotional challenge for the team after the linebacker suffered the season-ending injury. Green Bay's defense is also dealing with uncertainty surrounding Hargrave's availability.

Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon also discussed Cooper's role and the difficulty of replacing him after the injury.

"He's a really good player. Can do a lot of things for us. My heart hurts for him...

It's a tough break. Hard to replace a guy like that, obviously," said Jonathan Gannon, Packers defensive coordinator.

The Bears could rely more heavily on Roschon Johnson if Monangai remains unavailable and Swift's injury affects his workload. Johnson's career high is 38 rushing yards in a game, achieved against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023.

According to the source report, Johnson has received a maximum of 10 carries in a game, reaching that mark three times against the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, and Packers.

Green Bay's run defense has allowed an average of 139.2 rushing yards per game through four games, according to the report. The defensive losses involving Cooper and Hargrave could further affect the unit's performance against Chicago's rushing attack.

Hargrave received a 74.7 run-defense grade from PFF, while Cooper recorded a 71 grade for the 2025 season, according to the source report.

Monangai's injury and Swift's limited status could give Johnson an opportunity to establish a larger role in Chicago's running back group during the matchup at Lambeau Field.