The Chicago Bears are entering a massive Week 16 matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night with a chance to not only punch their ticket to the playoffs, but also put themselves in a great spot to win the NFC North.
But, it won't be without a fight. The Packers are without Micah Parsons and Evan Williams on defense, and the Bears will be without Rome Odunze and Luther Burden on offense.
Fortunately, as Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports, the Bears won't be without running back D'Andre Swift this weekend. Swift, questionable with a groin issue, is expected to be active.
Bears get good news on D'Andre Swift for Week 16 vs. Packers
"Bears RB D'Andre Swift (questionable, groin) is expected to play today vs. Green Bay, per source," Fowler reports.
This is some very welcome news for the Bears, especially since the offense is already going to be short-staffed. Chicago has a tough matchup against the Packers, though Green Bay is also going to be short-staffed on defense.
Parsons and Williams are two massive absences, and with them missing from the defense, the Bears should have a much easier time moving the ball.
One of the main phases of the game where the Bears should thrive is the ground game. While the Packers' linebackers are still active and great, the absence of Parsons and Williams will open some lanes in the running game.
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Swift, who is coming into this week's matchup with 935 rushing yards, can reach 1,000 yards for just the second time in his career with a good performance.
Kyle Monangai will be a quality backup for Swift, and while Ben Johnson might ride the hot hand in this matchup more than normal thanks to Swift's injury, the Bears offense will be much better off with both running backs active.
Swift being active for the Bears is some great news, as his role in the offense is one the Bears cannot afford to be without in Week 16 with Burden and Odunze already ruled out.
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