The Chicago Bears didn’t escape that big win over Philadelphia unscathed. Head coach Ben Johnson provided an unfortunate update on Braxton Jones. The Bears’ left tackle, who’s played really well over the past three weeks, left the game with a knee injury. He is now considered week-to-week, a clear signal that he will not play this Sunday against the New York Jets. This brings the status of Ozzy Trapilo directly into focus. While the former 2nd round pick has been back practicing since last week, Johnson refused to say whether he is ready to return.
If not, then that means Theo Benedet is in line to get the start this weekend. That is problematic. While the former undrafted free agent has proven to be a quality presence in the running game, the same can’t be said in pass protection. He allowed 26 pressures in just 334 snaps last season. When he came in to replace Jones on Monday night, he allowed 3 pressures in just 17 snaps. You never want to say someone is a liability, but Benedet being in the lineup may complicate things.
No Braxton Jones may influence what the Bears do at quarterback.
If Johnson feels the protection from Benedet won’t be reliable, he may decide the team needs one of two things. Either he’ll need a quarterback who can get the ball out quickly, or one who can move around to avoid pressure. Given how he thinks, one would bet it’s more the former. That means Case Keenum is likely to get his second straight start. He did a good job with the offense even after Jones went down. So the Bears already have proof of concept. He understands how to throw the ball on time and in rhythm.
That said, he is not a move. If the team isn’t confident the receiver can get open consistently against New York’s man-heavy coverage, then they need a quarterback that can buy some time with his legs. Tyson Bagent has the advantage in that department. He isn’t Caleb Williams by any means, but he’s shown enough mobility to get out of immediate trouble. Johnson has expressed the utmost confidence in him at every opportunity. It would make logical sense to slot him into the lineup if they don’t trust the protection.
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One has to feel bad for Jones.
He did everything he possibly could to get himself ready for this season. It was his last real opportunity to show not just the Bears but other teams that he could be a reliable left tackle. Blocking skill was never the concern with him. It was health. He just couldn’t stay on the field for a full season. First, it was a neck issue, then a broken leg, and last year it was a knee. Seeing him go down like that after such a promising first few weeks was depressing. The guy works so hard. He doesn’t deserve that kind of bad luck.
Alas, the NFL isn’t known for being merciful. It can be cruel. The future is uncertain for Braxton Jones. Still, his contributions to the team’s 2-1 start should not be forgotten. Trapilo is nearing his return. If not this week, you can probably expect him back against the Packers. Jones did what he was asked to do. Hold things down long enough for him to return. This may not have been in the plan, but it was enough.
