The Chicago Bears continue to find ways to win, sitting at 6-3 following their Week 10 win over the New York Giants. The most important thing is coming away with a victory on gameday, but the left tackle position has become an area to watch for the Bears.
The Bears benched starter Braxton Jones in Week 4 in favor of Theo Benedet. They believed it was the right lever to pull, and it was easier to stomach when Jones was placed on IR on Oct. 25 due to a knee injury.
But as time has gone on, Benedet's struggles have become clear and could open the door for a left tackle competition when Jones is activated off IR.
Theo Benedet’s Struggles Could Re-Open Door at LT for Bears
In 2025, Benedet has a 55 overall grade (61st among 75 graded tackles), 53.5 pass-blocking grade (61st among 75 graded tackles), and a 64.3 run blocking grade (40th among 75 graded tackles) on Pro Football Focus. He's been better as a run blocker, but has limitations as a pass protector, allowing at least four pressures in consecutive games.
This isn't the level of protection Chicago needs from the left tackle position, and that's where Jones could be looked at. He'll be eligible to return before Chicago's Week 12 tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Depending on how Jones' rehab is going, he could be a player that Chicago looks at again.
Jones has 44 career starts under his belt and has been solid overall during his time in Chicago. Between 2022 and 2024, he has posted 68 or higher grades across the board on PFF. This season, he seemed to take a step back, logging a 55.5 overall grade and a measly 47.2 run blocking grade.
Playing in a new scheme could have affected his production in 2025, but with how Benedet is looking out there, it's no guarantee that he'll remain the starter. The Week 11 game against the Minnesota Vikings will give Benedet another chance to showcase to the staff that he can be the answer at left tackle. However, given how things have looked thus far, there's a real shot that Jones could have a chance to reclaim his spot.
On the right side, Darnell Wright has looked like the franchise tackle they were expecting. In the win over the Giants, he planted both Brian Burns and Tyler Nubin on the ground, as both clips have circulated on social media.
With one surefire tackle upfront, the Bears need to figure out what they are going to do on the other side.