Bears Safety Coby Bryant Dodges Season-Ending Knee Injury

When Coby Bryant clutched his knee and needed a cart off the practice field Monday, the Chicago Bears safety thought his season was over before it began. Just days into his new $40 million contract, the former Super Bowl champion faced what looked like a devastating blow.

But sometimes the news we fear most doesn't come true. Bryant's medical tests brought relief that turned his tears into hope.

The safety will miss 8-10 weeks with a hyperextended knee, bone bruise and small fracture. That's a serious injury requiring patience and hard work, but it's not the season-ending disaster Bryant initially feared when he went down during a one-on-one drill against tight end Cole Kmet.

Bryant joined the Bears this offseason after winning the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. During his rookie contract, he proved his worth with seven interceptions and became known as a reliable playmaker in the secondary.

The timing stings because Week 1 is just five weeks away. Bryant might not be ready for opening day, but he'll likely return shortly after the regular season kicks off.

The Bright Side

While losing a major free agent signing hurts, this injury happened at the best possible time. Training camp allows the Bears to adjust their depth chart and give other players valuable reps before games count.

First-round draft pick Dillon Thieneman, a standout safety from Oregon, was always expected to start alongside Bryant. Now he'll get extra practice time to develop chemistry with his teammates.

Cam Lewis, another free agent signing who spent six seasons with the Buffalo Bills, will likely shift from slot cornerback to safety. The Bears needed to test their depth anyway after losing five secondary players this offseason, including Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker.

Teammate Colston Loveland captured the team's mindset perfectly. "It always sucks to see," the second-year tight end said, "but he's tough, he's a dog. He's going to be fine."

Bryant will attack his rehab with the same intensity he brings to the field, and his teammates will hold down the fort until he returns.