Bears Right Tackle Darnell Wright Exits Practice With Elbow Injury

Chicago Bears starting right tackle Darnell Wright left training camp practice early on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after suffering an apparent right elbow injury during red-zone drills.

Wright participated in just two plays before medical personnel evaluated his right arm. Athletic trainers removed the brace Wright typically wears on his right elbow before accompanying him off the field and into the team facility.

Reserve tackle Theo Benedet stepped in at right tackle to replace Wright for the remainder of the session. The premature departure raises durability questions as Chicago prepares for its 2026 NFL regular-season opener against the Carolina Panthers on September 13.

The location of the apparent injury is notable because Wright tore the UCL in the same right elbow last season. Despite the tear, he played through the issue wearing a protective brace and ultimately earned second-team All-Pro honors.

According to Pro Football Focus metrics from 2025, Wright ranked sixth among all NFL tackles in run-blocking grade at 85.6 and 29th in pass-blocking grade at 74.3. The 2023 first-round pick recently signed a four-year, $116 million contract extension with the franchise.

Reflecting on his contract extension prior to the injury, Wright shared his thoughts on his long-term future with the organization.

"No, actually," said Darnell Wright, Right Tackle, Chicago Bears.

Wright clarified that he had not anticipated a deal coming together so quickly.

"I didn't know what it would be like, so I was just more so leaning towards obviously fifth-year option; I have another year on my contract. You could be franchise-tagged, you know, all that stuff. Obviously, I knew I would be here for a long time," said Darnell Wright, Right Tackle, Chicago Bears.

He expressed gratitude toward the front office for making a long-term commitment.

"I feel very grateful that they trusted me like that and they believe in me," said Darnell Wright, Right Tackle, Chicago Bears.

Wright emphasized that the organization's support extended beyond the financial terms.

"(General manager) Poles really invests in us besides the financial investment now, obviously," said Darnell Wright, Right Tackle, Chicago Bears.

The Bears have not released an official update on the severity of Wright's injury or established a timeline for his return. Beyond Wright's departure, reporters noted that defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and defensive back Dontae Manning also exited Tuesday's practice session early.