Bears coach Ben Johnson told reporters Tuesday that safety Coby Bryant underwent knee surgery last Friday and is expected to be sidelined 4-to-6 months.

The prized free-agent acquisition sustained the injury in last Monday's practice. The 4-to-6-month timeline means that the earliest he is likely to return is mid-December.

"He's going to be in a hurry to get back to help us out there at the end of the year," Johnson said.

Bryant signed a three-year contract with the Bears after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Seahawks, appearing in 58 games with 34 starts and recording 227 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, seven interceptions, 17 pass breakups and seven forced fumbles.

All seven of Bryant's interceptions came in the last two seasons after he switched from cornerback to safety. Last year, he established career highs with four picks and seven pass breakups in helping Seattle win the Super Bowl.