Matt Eberflus Gives Excellent Injury Update on Star Defender Ahead of Week 1

The Chicago Bears' secondary has the potential to be a top-five unit this season. The cornerback group features Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon, while Jaquan Brisker and newly acquired Kevin Byard will be the safeties.

Byard spent the first seven and a half years of his career with the Tennessee Titans. During that time, he established himself as a hard-hitting, ball-hawking safety with 27 interceptions.

Midway through last season, the Titans traded Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles due to their struggles. Although Byard's play seemed to fall off in Philadelphia, it's worth noting that the Eagles' defense fell apart at the end of the season.

While Byard's play has been exceptional, excluding last season, what's even more impressive is that he has played in every regular season game of his career. Byard did suffer an injury in the Bears' third preseason game against the Bengals, which has caused him to miss the past few weeks of practice.

Thankfully, Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago reported that coach Matt Eberflus said in his press conference on Wednesday that Byard should be ready for Week 1.

Bears News: Kevin Byard Should Be Ready to Go Against the Titans

Byard being healthy for Week 1 is important for a few different "personal" reasons for him. First, it will keep his Iron Man game streak alive. Who knows how long Byard has left to play but if he ends his career never missing a game, that would be quite the accomplishment.

Secondly, this will be Byard's first game against the Titans since they traded him. Although "revenge game" narratives are often exaggerated by fans, players usually approach every game with the same mindset. Still, playing well and winning against a former team must be especially satisfying for a player.

Setting "personal" reasons aside, having Byard available for Week 1 means the Bears' defense will be nearly 100% healthy. This will only help build in-game chemistry for the defense as the season progresses.

More Bears news and rumors: