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Bears Rookie Did Not Participate Today After Donating Bl00d to Save His Mother’s Heart Valve Surgery

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Chicago, IL, October 5, 2025 – The Chicago Bears were without one of their promising young players at practice today, but the reason was far more significant than football.

Rookie running back Kyle Monangai, a sixth-round pick (No. 180 overall) out of Rutgers, stepped away from the field to donate blood to support his mother’s heart valve replacement surgery earlier this week. The selfless act has highlighted Monangai’s character, earning praise from teammates, coaches, and fans alike.

Monangai has been a surprise contributor for the Bears this season, stepping into a larger role due to injuries in the backfield. Through four games, he has shown flashes of potential as a reliable runner and pass-catcher. According to Sporting News, Monangai has recorded 85 rushing yards on 20 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt, along with 6 receptions for 48 yards. While he has yet to score a touchdown or break out for a big play, his steady presence has earned him the trust of the coaching staff.

Per Pro Football Focus, Monangai holds a 67.8 grade, ranking second among Bears rookies, trailing only defensive end Marcus Tate. He has played approximately 65% of offensive snaps (roughly 160 of 250) and contributed 15% of special teams snaps, primarily as a kick returner and on coverage units.

His absence from practice was not related to his on-field performance but underscored his priorities off the field. Sources close to the family confirmed that Monangai’s blood donation was critical for his mother’s successful surgery, an act described as both courageous and deeply personal.

Head coach Matt Eberflus addressed the situation, saying, “Football is important, but family comes first. What Kyle did for his mom is something we all respect and admire. He’ll have our full support when he’s ready to return.”

For Bears fans, Monangai is quickly becoming a fan favorite, not just for his grit on the field but for his loyalty and heart off it. His actions prove that his impact extends well beyond the box score, embodying the toughness and spirit Chicago holds dear.

Eagles Head Coach Announces A.J. Brown To Start On The Bench For Standout Rookie After Poor Performance vs. Broncos
  Philadelphia, PA — the Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach confirmed that A.J. Brown will start on the bench in Week 6 against the New York Giants, with the boundary starting spot going to rookie WR Taylor Morin—an undrafted signing out of Wake Forest who flashed through rookie camp and the preseason. The decision follows an underwhelming offensive showing against the Denver Broncos, where several snaps highlighted the unit being out of sync between Brown and Jalen Hurts. On a midfield option route, Hurts read Cover-2 and waited for an inside break into the soft spot, while Brown maintained a vertical stem and widened to the boundary to stretch the corner. The ball fell into empty space and the drive stalled. On a separate red-zone snap, a pre-snap hot-route signal wasn’t locked identically by the pair, resulting in a hurried throw that was broken up. The staff treated it as a reminder about route-depth precision, timing, and pre-snap communication—the micro-details that underpin the Eagles’ offense when January football arrives. Starting Morin is part of a plan to re-establish rhythm: the early script is expected to emphasize horizontal spacing, short choice/option concepts, and over routes off play-action to probe the Giants’ responses. Morin—who has shown strong hands in tight windows and clean timing in the preseason—should give the call sheet a steadier platform, while Brown will be “activated” in high-leverage downs such as 3rd-and-medium, two-minute, and red zone to maximize his body control, early separation, and the coverage gravity that can force New York to roll coverage. Facing the tough call, Brown kept his response brief but competitive:“I can’t accept letting a kid take my spot, but I respect his decision. Let’s see what we’re saying after the game. I’ll practice and wait for my chance. When the ball is in the air, everyone will know who I am.” Operationally, the staff is expected to streamline the call sheet between Hurts and Brown: standardize option-route depths, clearly flag hot signals, and increase game-speed reps in 7-on-7 and team periods so both are “seeing it the same and triggering the same.” Handing the start to Morin also resets the locker-room standard: every role is earned by tape and daily detail—even for a star of Brown’s caliber. If Brown converts the message into cleaner stems and precise landmarks—catching the ball at the spot and on time—the Eagles anticipate early returns: fewer dead drives, better red-zone execution when back-shoulder throws and choice routes are run “in the same language,” and an offense that regains tempo before taking on Big Blue. With Taylor Morin in the opening script, Philadelphia hopes the fresh piece is enough to jump-start the attack from the first series.