Emphasis on stopping the run
The Giants' struggles in stopping the run continued against the 49ers. Christian McCaffrey and Brian Robinson Jr. combined for 159 yards on 33 carries, good for an average of 4.8 yards per carry, with both backs scoring a touchdown on the ground and registering three explosive runs of 10+ yards. McCaffrey also finished with a team-high five receptions for 67 yards and an additional touchdown.
After recording consecutive outings with fewer than 90 rushing yards allowed in Weeks 5-6, the Giants have surrendered an average of 192.3 rushing yards per game over the last three games. The defense heads into Week 10 ranking 31st in total rushing yards and 32nd in average yards per attempt, while the unit's 12 rushing touchdowns surrendered are tied for the second-most in the league.
While it's important to try to stop the run in every game, there should be even more of an emphasis on it this weekend. The Bears are not only one of the most run-heavy teams in the NFL, but they've also been one of the most successful on the ground. When it comes to the run game, Chicago ranks third in attempts, second in yards, eighth in touchdowns and sixth in yards per attempt. The Bears have really picked things up in recent weeks as they've topped 220 rushing yards in two of their last three games.
Veteran D'Andre Swift has been their leading rusher on the season, taking 100 carries for 464 yards (4.6 avg.) and four touchdowns, but rookie Kyle Monangai has really stepped up lately. With Swift sidelined last week due to a groin injury, the seventh-round pick exploded against the Bengals for 176 yards on 26 carries (6.8 avg.). This marked his second game in the last three weeks with an average of more than 6.0 yards per carry, as he took 13 rushes for 81 yards and a touchdown against the Saints in Week 7.
Other injury updates; Eluemunor, Schmitz sidelined
The secondary isn't the only position group that's been hit with injuries in recent weeks. Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor missed last week's game due to a pectoral injury suffered in Week 8. The veteran tackle was unable to get on the practice field last week and was listed as doubtful on the final injury report before being inactive on gameday. Eluemunor was unable to get back on the practice field Wednesday, as he went down as a DNP on the first injury report of the week.
Center John Michael Schmitz was also sidelined for Wednesday's practice after suffering a shin injury against the 49ers. Schmitz was unable to return to the game following the injury, which led to Austin Schlottmann taking over at center. Schlottmann has filled in admirably for Schmitz when called upon this season. If Schmitz is unable to suit up in Chicago, Schlottmann would start his second game of the season.
Wide receiver Beaux Collins (neck) and linebacker Darius Muasau (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, either, after both went down with injuries this past Sunday. The other players missing from practice were defensive lineman Chauncey Golston (neck), outside linebacker Victor Dimukeje (shoulder), and kicker Graham Gano (neck).
On a positive note, tight end Daniel Bellinger did make his return to practice as a full participant. The fourth-year tight end suffered a neck injury in Week 8 which sidelined him for Sunday's game against the 49ers, but was able to get back out on the field as to open the week. Bellinger was starting to see his role on offense increase the last few weeks before the injury as the Giants started shifting towards more two tight end sets following the season-ending injury to Malik Nabers. His last full game came against the Broncos, where he and fellow tight end Theo Johnson combined for six receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns.