Coby Bryant’s start with the Chicago Bears isn’t going as planned. During Monday’s practice, he was visibly upset as he was taken off the training field. The incident occurred shortly after joining the Bears one season after winning the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.
Bryant’s situation, however, has a positive side. Although he feared the worst, Bryant’s knee injury isn’t season-ending. ESPN reports indicate he will miss eight to ten weeks due to a hyperextended knee, bone bruise, and a small fracture.
Bryant signed a substantial three-year, $40 million contract with the Bears in the offseason, reinforcing a secondary that underwent significant changes. His previous performances with the Seahawks, where he intercepted seven passes and contributed to their Super Bowl victory, established his value. While he may miss Week 1, the regular season’s start is five weeks away, suggesting his absence could be brief.
Second-year tight end Colston Loveland expressed concern about Bryant’s injury, commenting, “It always sucks to see. You know, he’s tough, he’s a dog. He’s going to be fine.” As Bryant begins his rehabilitation, the Bears will test their depth chart. Their first-round pick, Dillon Thieneman from Oregon, was planned as a starting safety alongside Bryant. With Bryant’s absence, Cam Lewis may fill the gap. Lewis, another free agent acquisition, previously played with the Buffalo Bills and is repositioned due to injuries among the Bears’ roster.
The Bears, dealing with numerous off-season departures including Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Jonathan Owens, face early challenges. This period is crucial for health in the NFL, yet depth often dictates a team’s success in the postseason. The Bears feel this challenge but are optimistic about Bryant’s return during the 2026 season.