Injuries are a fact of life in the NFL. You never know where or when they’ll happen. All you know for sure is that they will happen. The Chicago Bears certainly prefer that they might’ve spread out over the course of the season. Instead, it seems like they’re all hitting at once. No position is feeling it more than safety. Elijah Hicks started training camp on the PUP list. Now starter Coby Bryant, veteran Cam Lewis, and backup Gervarrius Owens all left with knee injuries. Bryant is out for at least two months. It has forced the team to look to unexpected names for help.
Unsurprisingly, they signed veteran Xavier Woods from the free agent market, giving them some badly needed depth. Still, the more interesting development was the decision to plug Skyler Thomas into the starting lineup alongside 1st round pick Dillon Thieneman. Thomas is also a rookie, having signed as an undrafted free agent from Oregon State. This is a minor surprise since the Bears do have Anthony Johnson on the roster, who has actual NFL experience. For Thomas to be inserted instead of him feels pretty noteworthy.
Thomas brought interesting traits to the Chicago Bears.
While his production was fine in college, teams were fascinated by his mix of 6’1″, 210 lbs size and his ability to match up well with opposing tight ends in coverage. He is a safety who operates like a big cornerback. Such versatility is hard to come by. It’s no wonder the Bears liked him. His being a special teams standout certainly didn’t hurt his stock. His primary concern was an overall lack of speed, which made him vulnerable on vertical routes. That and his highly inconsistent tackling.
Does this mean he is slated to start the season? No. Depending on the health status of Lewis, that job will almost certainly go to Woods once he’s up to speed on the defense. The Chicago Bears don’t want two rookies manning the back end of their defense. That is asking for trouble. Still, it is interesting to see Thomas get work with the starters at all. It indicates that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and defensive backs coach Al Harris like what they’ve seen from him.
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This undrafted class could see more than one name crack the roster.
Initially, most thought that offensive guard Caden Barnett from Wyoming was the only one with a reasonable chance to make it. After all, the Bears paid him more than any undrafted rookie in years. However, some buzz has also surrounded Kennessaw State running back Coleman Bennett and now Thomas as well. Last year, only one undrafted free agent made the main roster. That was wide receiver Jahdae Walker. You could argue the Bears are deeper this year than they were in 2025.
That means Thomas must take full advantage of these brief opportunities before guys start returning from injuries. It sounds like Lewis won’t be out long. Hicks is probably due back soon as well. Here is hoping he can seize the moment. Thomas represents one of the best parts of training camp. Fans love seeing unheralded guys emerge to achieve their dreams. Thomas is on the right track.
