Bears training camp observations: The pads finally come on
· Yahoo Sports
The Chicago Bears were back on the practice field at Halas Hall on Monday morning for the first padded workout of the summer.
The biggest storyline of the day wasn't the pads themselves but safety Coby Bryant suffering an apparent left knee injury during a one-on-one rep covering tight end Cole Kmet. Bryant was carted off the field, which isn't usual with lower-body injuries, but he did have an emotional reaction that was cause for concern. Elsewhere, quarterback Caleb Williams was effective, receiver Luther Burden III impressed and there were some updates on position battles.
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As far as attendance goes, running back Kyle Monangai was spotted in full pads and back on the practice field for the first time since suffering a soft tissue injury on Day 1. Head coach Ben Johnson said he's "day-to-day," but Monangai was running through drills in full pads, which is encouraging.
Here are some observations, from media members in attendance, following Monday's training camp practice:
Coby Bryant carted off with apparent leg knee injury
Coby Bryant limping off after a 1 on 1 vs Kmet. Just slammed his helmet down. Holding his left leg. Laying down now.
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) August 3, 2026
Coby Bryant is down with his helmet off after landing awkwardly covering Cole Kmet. Looked like a left knee. Tried to walk to off initially. Being taken off on cart.
— Mark Carman (@thecarm) August 3, 2026
Not good. Coby Bryant just went down grabbing his left knee during a 1-on-1 rep vs Cole Kmet. He was clearly emotional as he got on a cart under his own power.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 3, 2026
I’ll caution you that they are on the far fields so a cart is not unusual, but the fact that he was so emotional is…
A few players came over to give Coby a few words. He had his face tucked in his jersey as they talked to him.
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) August 3, 2026
Just rode off on the cart.
Let's hope this isn't as bad as it appeared.
Kyle Monangai returned to practice
Kyle Monangai getting back into the groove as he returns from a three-practice absence. pic.twitter.com/0nFLxMSEMv
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) August 3, 2026
Kyle Monangai is BACK at Bears practice. pic.twitter.com/QV5NlpE3MZ
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) August 3, 2026
Kyle Monangai, who was listed as day to day, is practicing in full pads today pic.twitter.com/2qVvrVVBfC
— 79th & Halas Podcast (@79thAndHalas) August 3, 2026
Caleb Williams flashed during 1-on-1
The Bears wrapped up their first practice in full pads, going 90 minutes on the back fields. Coby Bryant's apparent injury is the story of the day. Caleb Williams showcased his connections in 1-on-1 drills. They're back in full pads tomorrow and Thursday.
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) August 3, 2026
Braxton Jones worked with starters, Kiran Amegadjie with backups
The Chicago Bears wrapped up their first padded practice of training camp Monday. Braxton Jones worked with the first team at left tackle while Kiran Amegadjie worked with 2nd.
— Michal Dwojak (@mdwojak94) August 3, 2026
Monangai was back but didn’t do team stuff. Coby Bryant left with apparent injury. pic.twitter.com/YT0Lpi7Xrs
Cam Lewis replaced Coby Bryant, Jaylon Jones worked at nickel
Bears practice is over. Obviously, the big news is the injury for safety Coby Bryant.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) August 3, 2026
- Braxton Jones got the most first-team reps today and did well in 1-on-1 drills.
- Cam Lewis took Bryant's place with the starters
- Jaylon Jones remains the starter at nickel back.
Jahdae Walker, Salvon Ahmed, Zavion Thomas all standouts
That's a wrap for the #Bears' first padded practice:
— Josh Buckhalter (@JoshGBuck) August 3, 2026
- Kyle Monangai practiced
- Coby Bryant exited early w/ apparent injury
- Braxton Jones back at LT1
- Good stuff from Jahdae Walker, Salvon Ahmed & Zavion Thomas
- Colston Loveland, Tyrique Stevenson & Jonah Jackson to speak
Luther Burden flashed, run game shines, Sam Roush heavily involved in passing game
#Bears practice is over. A few key takeaways:
— Bear Report (@BearReport) August 3, 2026
1) The Luther Burden hype is real. He had a few tough catches down the sideline today and is the clear frontrunner to be WR1.
2) Braxton Jones got the majority of reps with the first team OL.
3) The operation of the running game…
Bears ended their first padded practice on Monday with a little concern:
— Chris Kwiecinski (@OchoK_) August 3, 2026
- Coby Bryant was carted off with an apparent leg injury. I didn’t have a good look from where I was sitting.
- Braxton Jones got most of the 1st team LT reps.
- Luther Burden III had the catch of the day.
Terell Smith also left practice early
#Bears wrap up first practice in full pads. It was just less than 1 hour, 45 minutes.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 3, 2026
S Coby Bryant and CB Terell Smith both left practice early with training staff.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears training camp observations: The pads finally come on