The Chicago Bears are sitting on top of the NFC North entering Week 12, which is more impressive considering the issues they’ve had at left tackle. What began as Braxton Jones’s job eventually became Theo Benedet’s, but the veteran’s struggles have opened the door for rookie Ozzy Trapilo to return to the left side after a temporary move to his natural position.
The Bears’ carousel needs to be figured out quickly. Not only does Chicago face a pivotal stretch of games that will determine whether it can win their first division championship since 2018, but it also has an immediate test on Sunday, going up against T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With that in mind, Thursday’s injury report played a big role in deciding who will protect Caleb Williams’s blindside on Sunday. According to Scott Bair of Marquee Sports, Benedet was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice due to a quad injury, which could allow for a big change heading into Week 12.
Bears May Have No Choice to Start Ozzy Trapilo at LT Amid Theo Benedet’s Injury
Trapilo should be the biggest winner of Benedet’s injury if the latter is unable to go on Sunday. The Bears’ second-round pick battled Jones for the left tackle spot during training camp, and while he took an early lead in the competition, his performance declined as the preseason progressed. Jones started the season at left tackle, forcing Trapilo over to the right side, but the rookie made his way back to the left side in recent weeks and hasn’t allowed pressure on 10 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
While that’s an extremely small sample size, it’s better than what Benedet has been giving them in recent weeks. He's given up two-plus pressures in every appearance since Week 4, which includes surrendering 12 on 129 pass-blocking snaps (9.3%) in his last three games alone.
If Benedet is out or less than 100%, the Bears might have the avenue they need to make a change ahead of an important stretch. Chicago is about to face a gauntlet of top pass rushers, including Watt and the Steelers, Jaelan Phillips and the Philadelphia Eagles, Micah Parsons of the Green Bay Packers, and Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns.
The issues are even more glaring considering they allowed Dallas Turner to have a career game with seven tackles, a sack, and three quarterback hits in place of Jonathan Greenard in last week’s win over the Minnesota Vikings.
With previously invisible pass rushers having success against the Bears, the left tackle position needs to be figured out. Since Jones is on injured reserve, Trapilo could be the next man up, putting the same plan in motion that the Bears had when they took him in last year’s draft.