The Chicago Bears named Braxton Jones their starting left tackle for Week 1 of the 2026 season. However, that did not officially mean he would start and finish the game as the left tackle. Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar did not dismiss the possibility of a rotation at left tackle, and even mentioned a strong possibility of Theo Benedet entering the game at some point.
Chicago Bears left tackle plans come with a twist
"It’s a real strong possibility," Dan Roushar said. "We’ve won games with both of them as starters. We have a lot of confidence in their ability to get the job done."
Braxton Jones will start at left tackle Sunday, the fifth consecutive season opener he'll start for the Bears. But might Theo Benedet get his chance to mix in?
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) September 10, 2026
"It’s a real strong possibility," Dan Roushar said. "We’ve won games with both of them as starters. We have a lot of…
Jones has been the Chicago Bears' starting left tackle since 2022. However, the only year he started and played in all 17 games was 2022. He missed time in 2023 and had an ankle injury in 2024 that lingered into 2025. He missed five games to close 2024, and then after starting only four games in 2025, Jones was placed on the IR.
So, the team turned to Benedet, who started in the next eight games. However, when rookie Ozzy Trapilo returned to the lineup from an injury, Chicago slotted him in.
It appears this year might go in the same direction. Jones is going to get the start, and he is healthier this year than the year prior. However, his leash is also shorter than it had been in years past.
So, the team could quickly go to Benedet. They also might look to Benedet as an extra offensive lineman. Ben Johnson likes to use him in that manner, and that is part of the reason why they chose Jones to start over Benedet.
Benedet being the backup gives them that flexibility, and Benedet has more experience at right tackle than Jones does. However, if the team views Benedet as the better option, they are going to have to play him, regardless of his value as a backup. The starting left tackle is more important.
The question now is whether the team has a plan designed for the two to split, or if it will be performance-based. If Jones plays well, would they really take him out of his groove due to a pre-designed platoon? Or is this more of a backup plan in case things turn sideways with Jones?
The Bears could also be trying to get the Panthers to plan for the switch. We will see Sunday.
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