Ben Johnson sends strong message after unfortunate Bears news

Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears are dealing with the injury that Coby Bryant sustained in training camp. He hurt his knee and will be out for the next four to six months after undergoing surgery. The head coach will rely on the rest of the safety room early in the upcoming season.

Bryant signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the franchise in March. The Bears expected him to be their starter as they had a glaring hole at the position after losing three defensive backs in free agency. However, the unfortunate news will test the team’s depth and how their players will respond.

The 27-year-old is coming off a Super Bowl-winning season with the Seattle Seahawks. He recorded 66 combined tackles, four tackles for loss and four interceptions in 15 regular-season games.

Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears — Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.

Bears HC wants Bears players to step up

Johnson addressed the media on Tuesday. He made it clear what he wants to see from his players after the timeline for Bryant emerged.

“It certainly takes us back a little bit, but it also provides opportunity for other guys to fill that void, be guys that we hope to prod along a little bit,” Johnson said. “Might be other guys that just naturally gravitate to that, but I think that’s the best thing about team sports is normally when there’s a little bit of open air, some guys will step up to the plate and say, ‘You know, no one else is going to do it, so I am.’ And I think that’s going to be a fun thing to watch.”

“Coby’s the template for how we ALL want our team to play.”

Ben Johnson on players stepping up with Coby Bryant out for 4-6 months: pic.twitter.com/Hfh2bb7dy8

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) August 11, 2026

His optimism speaks volumes about his confidence in his players. Chicago signed Xavier Woods on Friday to add a veteran safety to the lineup. Dillon Thieneman will likely need to play more snaps and prove his worth early in his rookie season.

Bryant could return by Week 13 or 14. The safety room’s performance will be crucial so he he doesn’t need to rush his recovery. The Bears are already amid a setback; however, they shouldn’t be counted out.