The Bears may finally be nearing a real solution at left tackle, and it starts with Ozzy Trapilo.
Chicago has been juggling problems up front, but the latest update on Trapilo points to a return that could steady the offense. Bears head coach Ben Johnson said Trapilo is very close to getting back on the field, a promising sign for a unit that has already taken hits in the early part of the season.
The need became even more urgent after Braxton Jones went down in the Bears’ 27-7 Week 3 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Jones is now week-to-week with a knee injury and did not practice, leaving Theo Benedet to finish that game and potentially making him the next man up at left tackle in Week 4 against the New York Jets.
Chicago’s first Week 4 injury report only strengthened the idea that Trapilo is nearing a return. For the first time all year, he was not listed on it. Jones, meanwhile, remained out of practice.
That creates a short-term opening for Benedet, who could be asked to start again if Trapilo needs another week. Benedet has made strides this season, and while pass protection has been his biggest issue, he has been one of the team’s better run blockers.
Pro Football Focus has Benedet at a 65.3 overall grade, which ranks 35th out of 70 eligible tackles. His pass-blocking grade is 54.5, good for 60th out of 70, while his run-blocking grade sits at 67.8, placing him 27th.
If the Bears choose to hold Trapilo out against the Jets, that would be understandable with Benedet available. But the Week 5 matchup with the Green Bay Packers changes the picture. Chicago can’t afford to be loose with the left tackle spot there, especially with a slim chance Caleb Williams could return from his hamstring injury.
That game figures to demand a cleaner offensive line, and Trapilo would be needed whether Williams is back or not. For now, the Bears appear to be inching toward getting their starting left tackle back within the next two weeks, which would be a welcome lift for an offense trying to settle in.
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