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Coby Bryant
S · CHI

Coby Bryant

Position S
Team CHI
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Coby Bryant

NFL player. Position: S. Team: CHI.

Quick Facts

  • Position: S (Safety)
  • Team: CHI (Chicago Bears)
  • Background: Super Bowl Champion with Seattle Seahawks

2026 Outlook

Experienced safety who signed a three-year, $40 million deal with the Chicago Bears to fill the void left by Kevin Byard's departure to the Patriots. Bryant can play both deep safety and slot/coverage positions, bringing championship experience to the Bears secondary. Had four interceptions in 2025 and seven interceptions over the past two seasons (2024-2025). Functions as a versatile deep-half defender in zone schemes while also capable of playing cutoff defender at the edges. His contract suggests the Bears view him as a long-term anchor for their secondary, working alongside rookie Dillon Thieneman.

However, Bryant's 2026 availability is now in serious question due to a hyperextended knee with bone bruise and small fracture suffered on August 3 during first padded practice. He is expected to miss 8-10 weeks, placing him out for Weeks 1-3 at minimum and questionable for Week 5 return. The injury is particularly costly given the Bears' secondary depth is now severely tested. (per Bears Injury Updates: A Shred of Hope for Coby Bryant, But Kyler Gordon is Status Quo)

Extended absence impacts NFC North race (August 12): Bryant underwent knee surgery following the August 3 injury and now faces a 4-6 month recovery timeline, effectively ending his 2026 availability barring a late playoff return. This extends beyond the initial 8-10 week estimate and removes one of the Bears' biggest offseason acquisitions before the season even begins. The Bears signed veteran Xavier Woods (age 31) to fill his role and are relying on rookie Dillon Thieneman for additional depth—neither is the caliber of Bryant's three-year, $40M contract. Chicago entered camp with legitimate competitive hopes in the NFC North, but losing Bryant weakens their secondary significantly against division rivals (Green Bay, Detroit, Minnesota) that boast strong passing attacks and quarterbacks. In IDP formats, Bryant's absence removes an anticipated starting safety with high interception upside (4 INTs in 2025) from the Bears' secondary, diminishing roster construction plans that banked on his deep-half role and coverage ability (per NFC North just got even more competitive after latest NFL injury news - Yahoo Sports). The Bears' margin for error in 2026 just got considerably smaller.

Role / Depth Chart

Starting safety for Bears, paired with first-round rookie Dillon Thieneman. Will also serve as slot/coverage option.

Injury Status

August 3 training camp injury — timeline uncertain: Bears safety Coby Bryant suffered a hyperextended knee, bone bruise, and small fracture during Monday's first padded practice (August 3). The injury occurred during a one-on-one drill in the red zone when covering tight end Cole Kmet. Bryant was carted off and initially projected to miss 8-10 weeks (per Schefter). However, as of August 7, head coach Ben Johnson told media the team is still in "gathering info stage" and disputed the 8-10 week timeline, saying the figure "hasn't been said here." Bryant is not expected to need surgery. He visibly expressed frustration, slamming his helmet as he grabbed at his knee—an indication he understood the severity immediately. Defensive back Cam Lewis replaced him at safety following the injury and has since been switched to full-time safety (per New Bears safety Coby Bryant out 8-10 weeks with injury - ESPN, Bears S Coby Bryant to miss first month of season or more after knee injury in training camp - Chicago Sun-Times, Bears Injury Updates: A Shred of Hope for Coby Bryant, But Kyler Gordon is Status Quo, and Bears sign Xavier Woods to replace injured Coby Bryant). The injury is particularly significant given Bryant's $40M three-year signing was meant to anchor the Bears' secondary after they lost Kevin Byard to the Patriots.

August 12 knee surgery update: Coby Bryant underwent knee surgery following the August 3 training camp injury and is now expected to miss 4-6 months, significantly extending the original 8-10 week estimate. The Bears signed veteran safety Xavier Woods to fill his role during the extended absence (per NFL Catchup - Rams Stars Injured, Vikings Make QB1 Decision, 49ers Injuries).

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