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Braxton Jones Injury Update Could Alter His Entire Bears Career

By Joseph Grassano

Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell shake hands after a game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell shake hands after a game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images / Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
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The Chicago Bears suffered another beatdown by the Detroit Lions on Sunday, losing 34-17. At this point in the season, fans are numb to these types of losses and are just looking for any glimmer of hope to take away from the game. One of the most positive takeaways was that Caleb Williams wasn't hit a lot or sacked until the fourth quarter.

Although the Lions' defensive line is severely depleted, this was a surprise given that both Teven Jenkins and Braxton Jones left the game early with injuries. Jenkins entered the game with a calf strain, while Jones sustained a brand-new injury. During the second quarter, Jones was carted off the field in an air cast, which usually points to a serious injury.

Sadly, it was confirmed on Monday morning that Jones has a fractured ankle (fibula) and will miss the rest of the season, according to Ian Rapoport. He's expected to return before training camp, but this update could see a career-shifting change for Jones.

Bears News: Braxton Jones to Miss Rest of 2024 With Fractured Ankle

With this injury, Braxton Jones may have just taken his final snaps as a Bears starter. This offseason, Ryan Poles must rebuild this offensive line, which includes replacing Jones. While Jones has been a serviceable starter, the Bears must upgrade the left tackle so Williams's blindside is protected better.

After Jones exited the game Sunday, veteran Larry Borom took over at left tackle. Although Borom played decently against the Lions, he's had many games throughout his career with unplayable reps. That's worrying for the final two games of Williams's rookie season.

The Bears' other option at left tackle is rookie Kiran Amegadjie. Amegadjie had an awful first-career start against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15. However, the Vikings do have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL, so expecting a lot from Amegadjie against the Vikings may have been unreasonable.

Despite that, Amegadjie was still a healthy scratch against the Lions on Sunday so who knows if the Bears are comfortable playing him in the final two games. Either way, the left tackle spot will be an issue in the final two weeks.

Even if Jones is replaced as a starter, he still has one more year left on his rookie contract, so the fact that he should be healthy for training camp is a positive for his ability to prove himself as a viable backup or role player.

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