Bears GM Ryan Poles addresses unfortunate Coby Bryant decision

Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears suffered multiple setbacks during training camp, including Coby Bryant’s knee injury. The safety will miss the next four to six months after undergoing surgery. He has since been placed on injured reserve, and the general manager discussed the decision.

Bryant signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the franchise in March. He is coming off a Super Bowl-winning season with the Seattle Seahawks and was brought in to address Chicago’s hole at safety. However, with his injury, rookie Dillon Thieneman will likely play more snaps early in the season.

Meanwhile, Poles signed Xavier Woods on Aug. 7 for added depth at the position. He will also serve as a mentor to Thieneman as he transitions to the NFL.

Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears — Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.

Chicago Bears: Ryan Poles talks about Coby Bryant decision

Poles emphasized that the decision to place Bryant and tight end Hayden Large on injured reserve was to give the Bears flexibility. The GM also expressed optimism that they can both play later in the campaign.

“(To) remain flexible as we go through the season,” Poles said. “Hopefully, those guys can make it back at some point on the back end of the season. So that should work out well.”

Ryan Poles on the Bears putting Coby Bryant and Hayden Large on injured reserve: “(To) remain flexible as we go through the season. Hopefully, those guys can make it back at some point on the back end of the season. So that should work out well.” https://t.co/gyqD9PbM5a

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 1, 2026

Analysts do not expect Bryant to return to action until Week 13 or 14 at the earliest. Large, on the other hand, sustained a non-contact knee injury but could be back later in the season.

The Bears face the league’s toughest schedule. They will open their regular season on Sept. 13 versus the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. On Sept. 20, they will face the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Chicago has seven primetime games, including on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, allowing fans around the country to see the team in action. It won the NFC North in 2025 with an 11-6 record and reached the Divisional Round before losing 20-17 in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams.