The Chicago Bears have struggled with injuries over the past couple of weeks, so it was refreshing to know that they would get one of their key guys back for a change. Against all odds, Ozzy Trapilo might not miss time at all.
The promising second-round pick out of Boston College underwent surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. He was initially expected to miss most — if not all — of the 2026 season, but the team already activated him from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
He may still not be a lock to reclaim the starting left tackle spot, with Braxton Jones also in the mix. However, that should be the end of the Jedrick Wills Jr. experiment in the Windy City, especially after such a disappointing preseason debut.
Ozzy Trapilo's return should lead Jedrick Wills Jr. to the unemployement line
Wills missed the 2025 season with an injury. The Bears were desparate for a blindside protector, but he didn't do much to help his case in limited run in the win over the Cleveland Browns, the team that made him the No. 10 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Browns backup pass rusher Julian Okwara beat him pretty badly to rip Tyson Bagent's helmet off with one hand for a sack. Then, he let the pocket collapse under pressure in the following play for an interception.
The Bears took things slowly with Trapilo as a rookie. Injuries and inconsistent play ultimately led to him becoming Caleb Williams' starting blindside protector, making him the best option on the team before his season-ending injury.
Ben Johnson and company will likely take things slowly with their young offensive linemen. He's far ahead of schedule, but they won't want to test their luck after such a miraculous and speedy recovery from a major ailment.
As such, they may still want to roll with Braxton Jones for the first month or so of the season, with Trapilo rotating here and there for a couple of plays. Once they feel comfortable with where he's at, there's no reason to believe he won't be back as a starter.
And with Kiran Amegadjie also making the most of his opportunities in training camp, Jedrick Wills Jr. is facing an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster. With another preseason dud, he might not even make it past Week 2 vs. the Cincinnati Bengals.
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