Bears’ Secondary in Turmoil: Injuries Prompt a Wave of Signings and Position Shifts

Chicago entered training camp with a secondary riddled by injuries. Starting safety Coby Bryant exited a one-on-one drill after hyperextending his left knee, sustaining a bone bruise and a small fracture that could keep him out for eight to ten weeks. Cornerback Kyler Gordon began camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, while backup safety Elijah Hicks also started on PUP. Defensive backs Cam Lewis, Gervarrius Owens and Dallis Flowers suffered lower-body injuries, leaving the Bears with fewer than a full complement of healthy defensive backs for the first week of practice.

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The Bears have not fielded a fully healthy secondary since Dennis Allen took over as defensive coordinator in 2025. That season, cornerback Jaylon Johnson missed camp with a groin injury and Gordon missed most of the preseason due to a soft-tissue ailment. The current injury cascade forces the coaching staff to repeatedly adjust depth-chart roles and rely on versatile players.

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• Injured players: Coby Bryant (safety), Kyler Gordon (corner), Elijah Hicks (safety), Cam Lewis (nickel/safety), Gervarrius Owens (corner), Dallis Flowers (corner).

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• Recent signings: veteran safety Xavier Woods (10-year contract), defensive backs William Wright and Brandon Hill, and former Steelers DB Beanie Bishop (signed after a three-day, four-player acquisition spree). Bishop recorded 45 tackles, seven pass deflections and four interceptions in 2024.

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• Roster moves: Long-snapper Luke Elkin was waived, leaving Beau Gardner as the presumptive starter.

Latest announcement just ended one of Bears' biggest position battles

General manager Ryan Poles emphasized the strategic importance of a healthy secondary, noting on April 23 that “in this situation where we have good corners, good safeties, we can be in a position where maybe we can have the quarterback hold the ball a little longer.” Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen reiterated a competitive mindset, insisting the team is not in panic mode despite the injuries. Head coach Ben Johnson added that the defensive scheme is still being installed and that the staff will reach a consensus on starters as camp progresses.

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• “You know what I want to see?” — Dennis Allen, defensive coordinator

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• “In this situation where we have good corners, good safeties, we can be in a position where maybe we can have the quarterback hold the ball a little longer,” — Ryan Poles, general manager

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Coaches have been shuffling players across positions to cover gaps. Cam Lewis, who has filled both nickel and safety roles, was moved to safety after Bryant’s injury and later returned to nickel duties when Lewis himself suffered a lower-body issue. Rookie safety Dillon Thieneman, the No. 25 overall pick, has been receiving reps at safety while the team evaluates his role. Fourth-round rookie Malik Muhammad has taken most nickel snaps, earning praise after breaking up a red-zone pass.

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The Bears will continue to evaluate health and performance throughout the remaining weeks of camp, aiming to solidify a secondary capable of withstanding the regular season. The upcoming preseason schedule will test the depth acquired through recent signings and the adaptability of players shifting between safety, nickel and slot-corner responsibilities.

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