Ben Johnson Pushes Back on Injury Reports for Bears Safety Coby Bryant

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson spoke to reporters on Wednesday about safety Coby Bryant, who was hurt during training camp. Johnson said the team was still gathering information about Bryant's injury. He pushed back on earlier reports that said Bryant would be out for eight to ten weeks. Johnson made it clear that no one from the Bears had confirmed that timeline.

During the press conference, a reporter asked Johnson if the eight-to-ten-week return timeline had been confirmed. Johnson said he did not know where that information came from. He told reporters the team would share more details once they knew more for sure. His response left fans wondering whether Bryant's injury was better or worse than first reported.

Earlier in the week, ESPN reporter Adam Schefter had said — based on sources — that Bryant suffered a hyperextended knee, a bone bruise, and a small fracture. Schefter's report suggested Bryant would miss eight to ten weeks of action. However, Johnson's comments on Wednesday gave a very different picture. It is still unclear exactly how serious the injury really is.

Bryant is new to the Bears this season. He spent his first four NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he won a Super Bowl ring. Over his career, he has recorded 227 total tackles, two sacks, seven forced fumbles, and one interception. Chicago signed him to help make their defense stronger.

The Bears' defense has been a weak spot in recent seasons. Last year, safety Kevin Byard III stood out by leading the entire NFL in interceptions. But Byard left as a free agent this offseason and signed a one-year, nine-million-dollar deal with the New England Patriots. That departure made Bryant's arrival even more important for Chicago.

If the eight-to-ten-week timeline turns out to be correct, Bryant could miss several regular-season games. A full ten weeks would keep him off the field until at least October. Some fans and analysts believe the Bears' defense still has big problems, even though the team has strong offensive players. Losing Bryant early in the season could make things harder for Chicago's defense right away.