Welcome to the all-too-familiar world of the Chicago Bears, where injuries in the secondary are almost automatic.
The Bears already had so many issues with Kyler Gordon and Elijah Hicks being hurt and starting training camp on the PUP. It got a whole lot worse on Day 5 of training camp.
Now, Coby Bryant got hurt with a left knee injury that caused him to be carted off the practice field. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Bryant will be out eight to 10 weeks, which is better than expected, but still a major blow. So, what is the new plan at safety without Bryant in the lineup?
Cam Lewis just became the most important player on the Chicago Bears
The Bears signed Lewis in free agency this offseason to replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a backup defensive back who can take on multiple roles. Well, he has certainly been put to the test early in camp.
ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin detailed how Lewis' role on the team has continued to change throughout camp. It appears that he might be stepping in for Bryant.
"With Elijah Hicks on the physically unable to perform list, Chicago is extremely thin at safety. Bryant's injury forced Cam Lewis, who had been taking most of his reps at nickel with the first-team defense, to shift back to safety opposite rookie Dillon Thieneman."
Lewis started his career with the Buffalo Bills and has played there over the last six seasons. He's racked up 166 tackles, 11 pass deflections, five tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and one interception in 76 games with 14 starts.
This is a reliable player who can fill in for a few games. The Bears should be counting their blessings that they signed him in the offseason.
Still, the Bears are in a tough spot in the secondary. Not only do they have multiple injuries and a lack of depth, but they have a rookie, Dillon Thieneman, starting back there. While Thieneman should be just fine, it is still worrisome for the fan base.
With how tough the end of the season is for the Bears, it's more important than ever before that they get off to a fast start. That means that Lewis doesn't have time to just figure things out. He's going to have to step up as a leader in that safety room and take control.
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Lewis didn't ask for this, but he just became the most important player on the team, as he could make or break how the rest of the season goes depending on how he plays.
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