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Bears' Coby Bryant out for season after surgery

8/12/2026

36 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Bryant Out

Bears safety Coby Bryant had surgery and will miss 4–6 months, and coach Ben Johnson says the earliest return is mid-December, likely ending his season.
The Bears had projected a 2–3-month recovery and an October return, but now expect Bryant to miss the season.
Johnson called Bryant a tone-setter and defensive template, citing 227 tackles and 7 interceptions, and named Xavier Woods as backup while Cam Lewis stays injured.

Summary

Bears Host Browns

Chicago will host the Cleveland Browns on Saturday in the Bears’ first preseason game.
Starting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who tore his patellar tendon in January’s playoff win, is progressing and could practice by the end of preseason.
Veteran safety Xavier Woods intercepted quarterback Caleb Williams in his first full-team practice.
The Bears’ defense entered the offseason after ranking No. 1 in the NFL with 33 takeaways the previous season.

History

Historical Context

In 2015, Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor missed the season start after a contract holdout, showing how key absences can derail a defense that helped the team post a 10-6 record and reach the playoffs. The Chicago Bears now face a similar loss with safety Coby Bryant sidelined for 2024, leaving head coach Ben Johnson to rely on a defense that recorded 33 takeaways in 2023.

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Bryant Out

Bears safety Coby Bryant had surgery and will miss 4–6 months, and coach Ben Johnson says the earliest return is mid-December, likely ending his season.
The Bears had projected a 2–3-month recovery and an October return, but now expect Bryant to miss the season.
Johnson called Bryant a tone-setter and defensive template, citing 227 tackles and 7 interceptions, and named Xavier Woods as backup while Cam Lewis stays injured.

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