LAKE FOREST, Ill. (104.3 The Score) – Bears safety Coby Bryant will miss four to six months after undergoing knee surgery, head coach Ben Johnson said Tuesday. The timeline means Bryant will miss most or all of the 2026 season.
Bryant suffered a knee injury on Aug. 3 during the Bears' first practice with live contact. He was carted off the field in significant pain. The initial hope was that Bryant could avoid surgery and return by late September, but he instead underwent surgery to repair the injury.
“It certainly takes us back a little bit," Johnson said. "But it also provides opportunity for other guys to fill the void.”
The Bears signed Bryant to a three-year, $40-million deal in March, making him the team's top addition in free agency. He was set to start at safety alongside rookie Dillon Thieneman, a first-round draft pick. Chicago will now turn to veteran defensive back Cam Lewis in place of Bryant at safety.
In the best-case scenario, the timeline for Bryant's return allows for him to potentially return in December.
The Bears will hold a live scrimmage Tuesday afternoon at Halas Hall.
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
