Chicago Bears safety Coby Bryant's knee injury, sustained during training camp, is more severe than initially diagnosed and will require surgery, potentially sidelining him for four to six months.
Bryant was first evaluated with a bone bruise and knee hyperextension, which suggested an eight- to 10-week recovery period. However, subsequent testing confirmed the need for surgery and a significantly longer rehabilitation process.
The injury occurred during a one-on-one drill with tight end Cole Kmet on the first day of practice with pads. Bryant, a key offseason acquisition, signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the Bears after winning the Super Bowl with the Seahawks last season. He was expected to be an integral part of a revamped defense.
Given the updated recovery timeline, Bryant could potentially return in December, but his absence for the entire season is also a possibility.
This setback compounds injury concerns for the Bears' defense. Cam Lewis, the backup to Bryant and another free-agent signee, was also carted off the field on August 8 with an injury. Although Lewis was later seen at a team walk-through, the accumulation of injuries impacts defensive depth.
The Bears' defense finished last season allowing 5.9 yards per play, the fourth-highest mark in the league and the highest among playoff teams. The team has also added linebacker Devin Bush and nose tackle Neville Gallimore in an effort to bolster the unit.
Chicago is scheduled to open its season in Carolina on September 13.