The Chicago Bears should be thrilled with their 2025 draft class. Colston Loveland already looks like a budding star at tight end. Luther Burden emerged as an explosive weapon at wide receiver. Kyle Monangai was a big part of their resurgent running game. Perhaps the most encouraging development was Ozzy Trapilo, who’d taken over at left tackle down the stretch of the season and was playing well. Sadly, he suffered a patella injury in the wild card win over the Green Bay Packers.
Now people are left wondering what happens next. GM Ryan Poles provided an update. Trapilo underwent surgery, which was successful. The rehab process is set to begin. What people wanted to know is how long he could be out. Poles’ answer was telling.
“I don’t have a specific timetable. I’m sure it’ll be somewhere deep into next year.”
The simple translation is Trapilo won’t be ready for training camp, and there is a strong possibility he will miss the first part of the 2026 season. While not surprising, it does crystallize what the Bears’ plans will be this spring.
Ozzy Trapilo may find competition waiting when he returns.
Keep in mind, the Bears coaching staff felt he still needed work even before his injury happened. They weren’t satisfied with his lower-body strength. The injury now makes improving it this offseason almost impossible. He’ll be focused on recovery. It puts Poles and head coach Ben Johnson in a tricky spot. Do they seek a placeholder who can man the starting job until Trapilo is ready, or do they go after full-fledged competition in the form of another high draft pick? Both carry consequences.
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The left tackle market in free agency is best described as weak this year. Among the best options including Rasheed Walker (Packers), Jermaine Eluemunor (Giants), Cam Robinson, and Trevor Penning (Chargers). They could bring back Theo Benedet or Braxton Jones, but it was already evident that Coach Johnson wasn’t happy with either of them.
That leaves the NFL draft. If the Bears want a definitive solution, or as close to one as they can get, they must target him in the 1st round. In such a case, it would mean the team isn’t getting their hopes up that Ozzy Trapilo will be the same player when he returns.
