Chicago Bears safety Coby Bryant out 8‑10 weeks with knee injury
Safety Coby Bryant was carted off the Chicago Bears' first padded practice after sustaining a hyper‑extended knee, a bone bruise and a small fracture. ESPN reports the injury will keep him sidelined for eight to ten weeks, with no surgery expected. Bryant, a former Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl winner who signed a three‑year, $40 million contract in free agency, was a key piece of the Bears' revamped secondary. His absence deepens concerns about the team's pass‑rush and secondary depth, especially with cornerback Kyler Gordon also out.
The injury creates an opportunity for backup safety Elijah Hicks, who could see increased playing time. Coach Ben Johnson said the team will continue evaluating the defense as other players, such as rookie safety Dillon Thieneman, step up during Bryant's recovery.
Entities: Ben Johnson · Chicago Bears · Coby Bryant · Dillon Thieneman · Elijah Hicks · Kyle Monangai
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Bryant signed a three‑year, $40 million contract with $25.75 million guaranteed in March. (Associated Press article)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Coach Ben Johnson spoke to reporters before the practice and after Bryant's injury. (Associated Press article)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] No surgery is expected for Bryant's injury. (ESPN/Adam Schefter report)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Coby Bryant left the Chicago Bears' first padded practice with an apparent leg injury and was carted off the field. (AP report and Associated Press article)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kyle Monangai left the practice when the team went to scrimmage. (AP report)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Bears have not announced the nature or severity of Bryant's injury. (AP report)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Bryant suffered a hyperextended knee, bone bruise, and small fracture expected to sideline him for eight to ten weeks. (ESPN/Adam Schefter report)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Running back Kyle Monangai returned briefly to practice after missing three workouts due to a soft‑tissue injury. (AP report)