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Chicago Bears Safety Coby Bryant Out 8-10 Weeks With Knee Injury

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Chicago Bears safety Coby Bryant will miss the next eight to ten weeks due to a hyperextended knee, bone bruise and small fracture suffered in Monday's training camp practice, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. Bryant, 27, had to be carted off the field after going down during a one-on-one drill against tight end Cole Kmet. He clutched his left leg near the knee and was able to get into the cart under his own power, but the scene was described as scary for the Bears. Multiple observers reported that Bryant went down grabbing his left knee during a practice rep and was visibly emotional as he left the field. The Bears signed Bryant, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks, to a three-year, $40 million contract this offseason. The team was depending on his speed in a revamped starting secondary after 2025 starting safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker both departed in free agency. A fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati in 2022, Bryant thrived after Seattle moved him from cornerback to safety in 2024. Over the past two seasons, he recorded seven interceptions, 139 tackles, 13 passes defended, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He started all 15 games he appeared in last season, as well as all three of the Seahawks' playoff games en route to their Super Bowl LX triumph. Bryant started 15 games in 2025, logging 66 tackles, four interceptions and a forced fumble. He has played in 58 games with 34 starts over his career, posting 227 tackles, two sacks and seven interceptions. Following Bryant's exit, veteran Cam Lewis stepped in alongside rookie starter Dillon Thieneman with the first-team defense during team drills. Lewis, signed as a free agent from Buffalo, could be next up to take Bryant's starting spot early in the season. Gervarrius Owens, who was on Chicago's practice squad last season, is another option. Bryant's injury occurred during the Bears' first day in pads at training camp. He was working against Kmet in one-on-one drills and

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

· On March 2026, Bryant signed a three-year, $40 million deal with Chicago.
· On 2024, Seattle moved Bryant from cornerback to safety under Mike Macdonald.
· On 2025 season, Bryant started 15 games, recording 66 tackles and four interceptions.
· On 2025 playoffs, Bryant started all three Seahawks games en route to Super Bowl.
· On 2026 offseason, Bears lost starting safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker.
· On April 2026, Bears drafted safety Dillon Thieneman with the 25th overall pick.
· On August 3, 2026, Bryant was carted off during first padded practice.
· On August 3, 2026, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported 8-10 week timeline.
· On August 3, 2026, tests revealed hyperextended knee, bone bruise, small fracture.
· On August 3, 2026, team confirmed no surgery required for Bryant's recovery.
· On August 3, 2026, Bryant injured left knee during one-on-one drill versus Cole Kmet.
· On August 3, 2026, Bryant was visibly emotional and carted off the field.
· On August 3, 2026, Cam Lewis replaced Bryant at safety in 11-on-11 drills.
· On August 3, 2026, Adam Schefter reported Bryant out 8-10 weeks via X.
· On August 3, 2026, Bears' secondary depth tested with Gordon and Hicks also injured.
· On August 3, 2026, Colston Loveland said Bryant is "tough" and "going to be fine".
· On August 3, 2026, Tyrique Stevenson praised Bryant's energy and leadership.
· On August 3, 2026, Bears opened first padded practice with Bryant's injury overshadowing.
· On August 3, 2026, Kyle Monangai returned to practice after missing three workouts.
· On August 3, 2026, Bryant does not need surgery and is expected to return in 2026.
· Bryant will miss Week 1 opener against Panthers on September 13.
· If recovery takes 10 weeks, Bryant could return by Week 5.
· Bears may place Bryant on injured reserve with designated return.
· Cam Lewis likely starts at safety alongside rookie Dillon Thieneman.
· Bryant's absence tests Bears' safety depth behind Lewis and Owens.
· Bears could sign or trade for additional safety help.
· Bryant's return timeline depends on healing without surgical complications.
· Bears' defense may struggle early without Bryant's speed and experience.
· Bryant's long-term contract value depends on full recovery from injury.
· Chicago's playoff hopes hinge on secondary performance without Bryant.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact (10 words): Bears lose key offseason signing before regular season begins.
Possible long-term US impact (10 words): Chicago's playoff hopes may hinge on secondary depth.
Most affected groups (10 words): Bears fans, Chicago, NFC North, secondary, coaching staff.
What readers should prioritise (10 words): Follow official team updates and Adam Schefter's reports.