Bears S Coby Bryant suffered a left knee injury in Monday's practice that's expected to cost him the next eight to 10 weeks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Bryant hyperextended the knee and incured a bone bruise as well as a small fracture. He's not expected to need surgery.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Defense Headed for Early Issues
Bryant arrived this offseason on a three-year, $40 million contract, which indicates Chicago expects him to play a key role. Bryant spent all last season as a full-timer for Seattle after showing well as a fill-in starter the year before.
His absence, which appears likely to stretch at least into early October, threatens the stability of a secondary dealing with multiple issues.
Cam Lewis filled in after Bryant went down Monday and has experience at safety and corner. He had previously been playing in place of nickel CB Kyler Gordon, who's still working back from a calf injury. Reserve S Elijah Hicks also has yet to participate in training camp because of a shin injury.
We'll see who's in line to start next to first-round rookie S Dillon Thieneman as the regular season draws closer. That could impact how much the Bears ask Thieneman to play deep coverage vs. in the box.
More work near the line of scrimmage would help Thieneman's outlook.
The team defense is fortunate to open with a moderate schedule:
- at Carolina
- vs. Minnesota
- vs. Philadelphia
- vs. the Jets
Philly should present the biggest challenge among that quartet, with the Vikings potentially tough as well if they get better QB play.
