Most of the focus on the Chicago Bears’ offensive line lay at center. Garrett Bradbury has struggled through the first two weeks, leading many to already call for 2nd round pick Logan Jones. However, the team has another issue to sort out at left tackle. Braxton Jones won the job this offseason after an extended competition. Through two weeks, he hasn’t been bad. He didn’t allow a pressure in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings and has helped the running game function at its customary level.
That isn’t the problem. It lay with his health. Adam Hoge of CHGO revealed that Jones is dealing with knee tendonitis. As a result, the Bears have put him on a pitch count, meaning there are only a certain number of snaps he can play so as not to aggravate the issue. That is why you saw Theo Benedet play several snaps last week. It’s clear the stability at left tackle is tenuous at the moment. Hence why Ozzy Trapilo getting his first full practice in last Friday felt like a significant indicator of the former 2nd round pick’s imminent return.
“The second-year offensive tackle practiced in full on Friday for the first time since suffering a torn patellar tendon in the playoffs and did not carry an injury designation going into Sunday’s game. The Bears were not in pads Friday, however, and you’d think they’d want Trapilo to go through a full padded practice before playing in a game.
Still, left tackle Braxton Jones is clearly on a pitch count as he deals with knee tendonitis. Theo Benedet has rotated in for Jones in the first half each of the first two games. That situation could open the door for Trapilo’s return sooner rather than later, although it would make sense for him to get reps as a sixth offensive lineman/backup before getting the chance to start again.”
Braxton Jones has done about as much as the Bears hoped.
It never felt like he had any prayer of keeping the left tackle job once he won it in camp. Everybody knew he was likely keeping the seat warm until Trapilo was ready. For him, this was about getting a chance to play more and likely improving his free agent stock for 2027. It wasn’t a bad plan for either side. The Bears get somebody with starting experience who knows the offense. Jones gets a reasonable chance to play despite missing most of last season with injuries. All in all, it’s worked out so far.
Braxton Jones has played well to start the season. While still nothing close to a franchise tackle, he remains more than serviceable. Unfortunately for him, Trapilo played really well last season before his knee injury. The Bears are hoping they get that version back once he’s had some time to knock off the rust in practice. It is safe to assume that Jones will play one more game on Monday night against Philadelphia. If he puts on a good performance, he’ll have done his job. There will be at least a few teams ready to make him offers next spring, even as he’s moved to the bench.
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The health concerns have never really gone away.
Jones missed a portion of training camp after a tough rep against Austin Booker, which saw him get injured. While no one doubts his ability, the issue has always been whether his body could handle the physicality. Knee tendonitis is not a good thing. That is because there is no real cure for it. This is something that Jones is likely going to deal with for the rest of his career. It can only be managed. Harsh as it may sound, the Bears don’t want somebody with that kind of baggage guarding their prized quarterback.
This revelation makes it clear the team knows they’re on borrowed time. It isn’t certain if that knee can hold up much longer. That is why the signs keep growing that Trapilo is nearing a return. Head coach Ben Johnson has said they’re waiting to make sure the young tackle is showing confidence when he puts weight on that surgically repaired knee. Once it happens, the switch will be made.
