The Chicago Bears are getting some help back this weekend against the Atlanta Falcons. Quarterback Caleb Williams appears set to make his return after missing the past three games with a hamstring injury. The timing couldn’t be better. The defense has just lost three key starters, two to injuries and one to a suspension. That means the Bears must put up points to win this game. They can’t rely on the defense to help much against that loaded Falcons offense. Thankfully, Williams might not be the only one coming to the rescue. Ozzy Trapilo may join him.
Head coach Ben Johnson met with the media for the final time on Friday in preparation for the trip south. Trapilo has been practicing without restrictions for weeks. Many have wondered when the team would decide to activate him. Johnson has remained adamant that he would not do so until he and offensive line coach Dan Roushar were certain Trapilo was mentally confident enough on that surgically repaired knee. It would appear that moment has arrived. Johnson indicated Trapilo’s debut is likely at hand.
Ozzy Trapilo would be a game-changer up front.
Of course, this depends on whether we get the version of him that was playing down the stretch of last season before his injury. From week 12 through 17, he allowed just 13 total pressures on the quarterback. That is incredibly impressive for a rookie who spent most of his college career at right tackle. Trapilo showcased his great mix of size and mobility, along with rapid improvement in his technique. That is why the patellar tendon injury against Green Bay in the playoffs was so rough. He was playing really well.
Chicago really needs that guy. They’ve been surviving at left tackle since the season began. Braxton Jones was solid before suffering yet another knee injury. This gave way to Theo Benedet. While the young backup remains a good run-blocker, he hasn’t improved much in pass protection, allowing 7 pressures and a sack in his last two starts. This has necessitated the team giving him frequent help with tight ends blocking alongside him. That limits what the offense can do. Getting Ozzy Trapilo back would open up so many possibilities.
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At least one player should benefit from his return.
That is Colston Loveland. He is the one who has suffered the most in his absence, sacrificing precious chances to catch passes to help block. In the 7 games that Trapilo started last season, Loveland had 430 yards and 3 touchdowns. By not having to block as often, the Bears moved him around in the passing game to find matchups to exploit. The offense averaged 25.14 points in those games. This is what having a competent left tackle can do for you. Give the Bears credit. They did not rush this decision.
Trapilo returned to practice in mid-August. He’s been a full participant in practice since late September. Nobody would’ve blinked had the Bears chosen to activate him weeks ago. Instead, they’ve taken the responsible route. No game action until they’re sure the young lineman is mentally prepared. It appears he is. The timing couldn’t be better as the Falcons present one of the league’s most effective pass rushes.
