The Bears are making a significant shift up front as they prepare to face the Rams, turning to veteran Joe Thuney to start at left tackle. Thuney steps in for Ozzy Trapilo, who’s been ruled out for the season with a patellar tendon injury - a tough blow for a line that’s already seen more shuffling than it would like.
This isn’t Thuney’s first rodeo at left tackle. In fact, he filled in at the position late last season for the Chiefs, with his most recent start coming on the biggest stage of all - Super Bowl LIX. That kind of experience doesn’t just show up on a stat sheet; it brings a level of poise and professionalism that could help stabilize a line that’s been anything but steady.
With Thuney now manning the edge, he becomes the fourth player to start at left tackle for the Bears this season. That list includes Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, and Trapilo, who held down the spot for six games before his injury. It’s been a revolving door at one of the most critical positions on the field, and the Bears are hoping Thuney can bring some much-needed consistency.
Meanwhile, Jordan McFadden is getting his first career start at left guard. The former fifth-round pick by the Chargers in 2023 has seen limited action to this point - just two offensive snaps this season, and only one last year with the Chargers. As a rookie, he did log 163 snaps and made a pair of starts, but this will be his first real test in a starting role this year.
For the Bears, this is more than just a lineup tweak - it’s a calculated move to patch up an offensive front that’s been hit hard by injuries and inconsistency. Thuney’s versatility and McFadden’s opportunity to prove himself are both storylines worth watching as Chicago looks to keep its offense afloat against a tough Rams defensive front.