{
  "id": 3393276,
  "title": "Bears Get Concerning News on Darnell Wright Weeks After Record Extension",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/bears-get-concerning-news-on-darnell-wright-weeks-after-record",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-26T01:13:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/bears-get-concerning-news-on-darnell-wright-weeks-after-record-extension-12367319"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Tuesday, the Chicago Bears received troubling news as their starting right tackle, Darnell Wright, exited practice with a right elbow injury. After medical evaluation, he was subsequently removed from the session. The most alarming aspect is that it's the same elbow that Wright injured during the previous season's Week 3 against the Cowboys. He initially opted against surgery, instead playing through the injury, which led to him earning second-team All-Pro honors. With just over two weeks remaining before the 2026 season commences, this development is far from ideal, particularly considering that the Bears recently awarded Wright the highest-paid right tackle contract in NFL history. The injury further complicates matters, as Wright agreed to a four-year, $116 million extension in early August, with $93 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $29 million. This deal places him among the top-paid players in the league, alongside Eagles All-Pro Lane Johnson and Vikings Pro Bowler Brian O'Neill. Wright, who was selected as the 10th overall pick in 2023, has demonstrated his resilience by starting every game he has played in the NFL, missing only two games throughout his tenure. His contributions to the Bears' strong run game, led by backs D Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, have been pivotal. While the extent of Wright's injury remains undisclosed, any prolonged absence from the team's lineup, especially so early in the preseason, would undoubtedly be a significant setback for the Chicago Bears.",
  "summary": "Bears RT Darnell Wright exited practice Tuesday with a concerning injury, just weeks after signing a record-setting deal.",
  "key_points": [
    "Bears' Darnell Wright injured his elbow again during practice.",
    "Wright previously injured the same elbow in Week 3 last season.",
    "Wright signed a $116 million extension in August, making him top-paid right tackle."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The injury to Darnell Wright's surgically-avoided elbow complication jeopardizes the Chicago Bears' season, particularly given his crucial role and the massive $116 million contract extension he just signed.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}