A vehicle seat assembly according to the present disclosure includes an air bag module having a front and a side, and the air bag module includes an inflatable air bag and a flexible cover at least partially covering the air bag. The flexible cover may include a protection portion that extends at least partially along the side of the air bag module. The protection portion has an end spaced away from the front of the air bag module, and the end is releasably connected to another portion of the air bag module. The seat assembly further includes a seat pad disposed outside of the air bag module, and a trim cover positioned over the seat pad. Upon inflation of the air bag, the end of the protection portion is configured to disconnect from the another portion of the air bag module and extend forwardly such that the protection portion extends between the seat pad and the air bag, or between the trim cover and the air bag.