Bears S Coby Bryant underwent knee surgery and now will miss 4-6 months. Bears are hoping he can return for the playoffs Via @AdamSchefter on X

What happened: Coach Ben Johnson said Bryant underwent the procedure Friday. An initial 8-10-week recovery estimate had not anticipated surgery.

Why it matters: Bryant arrived as Chicago's top free-agent acquisition and was expected to anchor the secondary. The revised window could keep him out through most or all of the regular season.

By the numbers: Four months from Aug. 11 lands in mid-December; six months extends into mid-February. Bryant signed a three-year, $40 million contract in March.

What to watch: Attention turns to how Chicago adjusts its safety rotation during the preseason.

Sources