Bears Hit With Worst-Case Scenario in Latest Coby Bryant Injury Update

Just hours after news broke that Ozzy Trapilo could return from injury far sooner than expected, the Chicago Bears got hit with a devastating injury update for another player. Free agent acquisition Coby Bryant, who was carted off from training camp practice early last week, underwent knee surgery and will now miss four to six months as he recovers, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

A worst-case scenario for Dennis Allen's defense is unfolding

It's hard to overstate just how bad this is for the Bears. Contrary to how most teams build their defense, general manager Ryan Poles opted to build his unit from the outside-in, meaning he focused on the secondary first and foremost while the defensive line remains questionable.

At first, this looked like a strategy that could work. Adding former Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant on a $40 million agreement in free agency was a smart move, and the return of a healthy Jaylon Johnson would keep at least half of the field as a no-fly zone.

Now, one of the planned centerpieces of this defense will miss almost the entire season, even in a best-case scenario. And that creates a worst-case scenario for Dennis Allen's defense. His other planned starting safety is a rookie who has been getting cooked in coverage during training camp so far. Cam Lewis could play safety, but the Bears had wanted him to play slot cornerback in place of Kyler Gordon, who started training camp on the PUP list and has not practiced since then.

The Bottom Line

Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen walks on the field at practice. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

They still have to prove it on the field, but Chicago's offense is looking like a championship caliber offense. The plan was always that they would be able to score enough points to carry a defense loaded with question marks. Now, that defense will be even less reliable than anyone would have expected.

The pass rush situation is already built on hopes and wishes. The linebacker group has plenty of potential, but remains unproven. The secondary that was supposed to be a strength is now riddled with injuries, and they've just lost their best playmaker and safety for almost the entire season.

It turned out to be a good thing that the Bears signed two more defensive backs over the weekend. They're going to need those players to step up in a big way, and to play for far longer than anyone hoped.

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