The Chicago Bears got a somewhat encouraging update about the health status of safety Coby Bryant, who suffered a left leg injury early during Monday's padded practice. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Bryant will be sidelined between eight to ten weeks due to a hyperextended knee, bone bruise, and a small fracture. Schefter also notes that not surgery is expected.
While Bryant avoided a major injury, he is expected to miss regular season games. The eight to ten-week timeline puts a possible return in late September or early October.
Bryant's injury occurred during a 1-on-1 rep against tight end Cole Kmet, when he landed awkwardly and was holding his left knee. According to the media, Bryant tried to walk off on his own power, but
he eventually carted off the field.
According to CHGO's Adam Hoge, Bryant was "clearly emotional" and he slammed his helmet down as he got on the cart under his own power. While carts aren't unusual on the practice field, Bryant's reaction was discouraging. Braggs added that "a few players came over to give Coby a few words. He had his face tucked in his jersey as they talked to him" but he just rode off on the cart.
The Bears signed Bryant to a three-year, $40 million contract this offseason, and he was part of their new-look, young secondary, paired with rookie safety Dillon Thieneman. Bryant has been an early standout at training camp, including an impressive Saturday practice where he intercepted quarterback Caleb Williams and nearly had a couple more.
With Bryant sidelined, it was free-agent addition Cam Lewis slotting into that starting role alongside Thieneman on Monday. But Chicago's depth in the secondary is being tested early with injuries to Bryant and cornerback Terell Smith, as well as cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Elijah Hicks starting the summer on the physically unable to perform list.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Latest injury update on Bears safety Coby Bryant
