Chicago Bears safety Coby Bryant will be out four to six months after undergoing knee surgery, coach Ben Johnson announced Tuesday.
Bryant had surgery Aug. 7, four days after he hyperextended his left knee and sustained a bone bruise and small fracture, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The safety was injured during one-on-ones and was driven back to the building on a cart.
“He’s gonna be in a hurry to get back to help us out there at the end of the year,” Johnson said.
According to Johnson, the Bears sought multiple opinions on Bryant’s injury, which led the safety to need surgery.
Bryant’s extended absence delivers a significant blow to the Chicago secondary, which has dealt with a rash of injuries throughout training camp. Cornerback Kyler Gordon has been on the physically unable to perform list with a calf injury since before the start of practices after experiencing a “delay” in his recovery, according to general manager Ryan Poles. Backup safety Elijah Hicks is also on the PUP list with a calf injury, and the Bears lost reserve defensive backs Gervarrius Owens and Dallis Flowers to significant leg injuries last week.
Cam Lewis, who was filling in at nickel corner before moving to safety in Bryant’s absence, got injured during Saturday’s practice and missed the next day’s session. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said he did not think Lewis’ injury would be long term but was not aware of a timeline for his return.
The Bears signed 10-year veteran safety Xavier Woods on Friday to mitigate the absences. Woods played opposite first-round rookie Dillon Thieneman during Sunday’s practice with the first-team defense and figures to solidify that spot amid the absences of Bryant and Lewis.
Bryant was Chicago’s marquee free agent acquisition, having signed a three-year, $40 million contract as the Bears turned over their safety unit this offseason. Bryant and Thieneman were brought in to replace safeties Kevin Byard (signed with New England Patriots) and Jaquan Brisker (signed with Pittsburgh Steelers), who were a part of a defense that ranked No. 1 in the NFL with 33 takeaways.
Johnson provided two additional injury updates Tuesday. Wide receiver Luther Burden III, who has a groin injury, will “hopefully” be ready for the start of the season when the Bears open at Carolina on Sept. 12.
Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who ruptured his patellar tendon during the playoffs, could return from the PUP list by the end of training camp, per Johnson.
“He’s hitting his hurdles … and he’s doing a good job,” Johnson said.
