Cam Lewis and Xavier Woods compete for Chicago Bears starting safety spot

The Chicago Bears are evaluating Cam Lewis and Xavier Woods to fill the starting safety position opposite rookie Dillon Thieneman. The team search follows a season-ending knee injury to Coby Bryant, who requires surgery and will be sidelined for four to six months. Chicago also faces a vacancy at nickel cornerback with Kyler Gordon currently on injured reserve. Team coaching staff may prioritize Malik Muhammad at the nickel spot, which would allow Lewis to compete for the safety role. If Lewis is required to cover the nickel position, Woods becomes the primary candidate to start at safety. These roster decisions remain pending ahead of the Chicago Bears regular season opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 13.

• 3:20 PMYahoo Sports — Bears insider shares latest on starting safety spot