Braxton Jones will start out the season watching and working out but not practicing as he'll be put on the PUP list. Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Bears say Braxton Jones is ready to compete at training camp

Originally posted on Chicago Bears on SI
By Gene Chamberlain | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 1:51 PM ET

Bears tackle Braxton Jones will apparently avoid the physically unable to perform list and can start practicing at training camp, although he may need a "ramping up" period first.

Coach Ben Johnson and GM Ryan Poles met with media Wednesday and it was revealed their left tackle starter would not be designated unable to practice after ankle surgery he had late last season

It simply wasn't enough time for full rehab and recovery for Jones during OTAs. He did not work out with the team on the field at all throughout OTAs and minicamp but was present and seen occasionally watching practice or in the weight room. Now there will be a three-way starting battle.

"We' re reallly excited to see how this thing goes through the rest of camp," Johnson said

The rehab work he did and the extra time since the end of OTAs apparently helped him to be ready.

Jones is in the final year of his rookie contract.

Poles revealed cornerback Jaylon Johnson has a leg injury suffered in his training and it was the reason he went on the non-football injury list earlier this week.

If the #Bears want to keep Braxton Jones after this season, this is probably the starting number https://t.co/MGzpSAAPst
— Windy City War Room: A Bears and Draft Podcast (@WindyCityWR) July 21, 2025

With Jones ready, it will be a three-way competition with second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo and second-year tackle Kiran Amegadjie.

"I can't say I've been through that before," Johnson said of a three-way battle.

The two younger players both were at this position throughout the offseason work.

Darnell Wright will remain at right tackle, Johnson said.

At 6-foot-8, 312 pounds, Trapilo seems like an ideal left tackle but played most of his snaps in college at right tackle.

Amegadjie, who missed all of last year's offseason and even training camp due to a quad surgery, had a rough baptism to the NFL.

#DaBears need to get those 2nd Round Picks signed ASAP.

It’s so important for many different reasons.

Luther Burden:

- Was Injured during Minicamp so would already be behind.

Ozzy Trapilo:
- With Braxton Jones still being out he has an opportunity to steal a starting…
— Irish Bears Network | Ciaran (@IrishBearsShow) July 17, 2025

He finally got on the field without preparation and had 126 plays, receiving a Pro Football Focus ranking of 135th out of 140 tackles in 2024.

Amegadjie, a Hinsdale Central product, played at FCS school Yale and essentially had just one year's worth of starting tackle experience there before coming to the Bears as a third-round pick.

I saw it. You saw it. We saw it. Ben Johnson saw it. No way Braxton Jones retains his job as LT1 pic.twitter.com/eI2axLCSWI
— Darkmind ⬛️⬛️ (@Octane10820) June 5, 2025

This article first appeared on Chicago Bears on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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