Bears DB Terell Smith carted off with knee injury in preseason game against Buffalo Bills

The Chicago Bears’ 38-0 preseason rout of the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night was overshadowed by a troubling injury to cornerback Terell Smith. Smith went down with a non-contact knee injury late in the second quarter while covering receiver Kristian Wilkerson.

With 1:32 left before halftime, Wilkerson hauled in a 25-yard pass from Mike White as Smith collapsed attempting to make a cut. The third-year defensive back immediately clutched his left knee and had to be carted off the field as the whole stadium fell silent. The Bears quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game.



Before exiting, Smith had recorded two tackles. A 2023 fifth-round pick out of Minnesota, he has appeared in 26 games with six starts across his first two seasons. Known for his athleticism and physical play, Smith tallied 68 tackles, 10 passes defended, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery to this point in his young career.


Chicago rolled to an emphatic win, but the victory was muted by the uncertainty surrounding Smith’s future. Non-contact knee injuries often carry serious implications, leaving the Bears anxiously awaiting test results.

For a team hoping to build momentum heading into the regular NFL season starting in the first week of September, Smith’s setback serves as a stark reminder of football’s unpredictability.