The Chicago Bears may not have to wait much longer for their left tackle. After being a limited participant in Wednesday and Thursday's sessions, it looks like Ozzy Trapilo is finally inching closer to getting back out there.
The Bears listed him as a full participant on their final injury report of the week ahead of the divisional matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. And while that doesn't mean he'll start, at least he should be available.
Ben Johnson's team rolled with Braxton Jones at left tackle in Week 1. He held his own better than expected, though the sample size is big enough to know that it's just a matter of time before he's a liability again.
Ozzy Trapilo's miracle injury recovery can change everything for the Bears
Regardless of how he fares this season, scientists from all over the world should travel to the Windy City to study Trapilo's body. Maybe he's made out of Adamantium, and he forgot to disclose that tiny detail in his pre-draft interviews.
He was initially supposed to miss most — if not all — of last season after tearing his patellar tendon late in the season. Not only did he avoid a stint on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, but he may now be back as early as Week 2.
Perhaps the Bears will ease him back into action and only have him rotate for a couple of plays here and there before giving him his starting spot back. Or maybe they want to maintain the illusion of a position battle to keep everyone on their toes before giving him the nod over the often-erratic Jones.
Whatever the case, this is a huge break for the Bears' offensive line, which ranked 18th in pass-block win rate in the season opener (48 percent), according to ESPN. Jones gave up just two pressures and wasn't called for a penalty, but again, he might be just a ticking time bomb.
Trapilo will be an instrumental part of the Bears' offensive line for years to come. And after revamping most of that unit with the likes of Joe Thuney and extending Darnell Wright, finding their blindside protector should help them keep Caleb Williams safe and sound.
The Vikings boast a stout defensive front and will try to bring in the heat on every dropback. Hopefully, the Bears will have their second-year left tackle holding down the fort in this one.
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