Ben Johnson announces Chicago Bears left tackle decision

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Ben Johnson announces Chicago Bears left tackle decision

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Sep 8, 2026 4:09 PM ET

Throughout training camp, the Chicago Bears have been trying to find the right fit at left tackle. On Tuesday, head coach Ben Johnson finally confirmed who will be protecting quarterback Caleb Williams’ blindside come Week 1.

Braxton Jones has been announced as the starting left tackle. Still, Johnson will be paying close attention to his play out of the gates, via the head coach’s Tuesday press conference.

“It’s every position that’s being evaluated,” Johnson said. “I just talked to the skill guys on offense. Right now I don’t know when we line up in certain personnel groups who’s going to be our receivers right now. It’s early. By the time we get to Friday, Saturday, that’s when we’ll stamp them. They’ve earned that during the course of the week. I don’t think it’s any different for the offensive line.”

“Just because I’m saying that here on a Tuesday doesn’t mean that’s how it always shakes out,” he continued. “He’s gotta earn that, Braxton does, as do all the players that are going to be active on game day. They gotta earn it. They gotta show us that they deserve to be out there. That’s how we go about it in this building and I think they understand that.”

Jones has appeared in 46 games for the Bears since his arrival in 2022, starting 44 of them. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but injuries have taken a serious bite out of his career. If Jones can stay healthy, he’ll have ample opportunity retain the starting LT role. But if injuries or poor performance were to crop up, Johnson won’t be afraid to make a change.

Chicago Bears’ Ozzy Trapilo knocking on doorstep

NFL: Chicago Bears Minicamp Ozzy Trapilo at Chicago Bears minicamp – Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

If healthy, Ozzy Trapilo may be in line to start at left tackle. But he is still working his way back from a ruptured patellar tendon. On the 53-man roster, the Bears believe he is close to being ready. But Johnson isn’t ready to put a timeline on his return.

“I don’t have a timeline but I do think he’s getting invaluable work right now, whether it’s individual or some of the things we’re doing after practice,” Johnson said. “That was our intent — today’s a padded practice. We want to make sure he’s maximizing the number of padded opportunities he gets as he’s continuing to get better every single week.”

“So I think it’s a matter of time. I can’t say it’s in the near future. I know he’s working his tail off. It’s been beyond impressive for him to be where he is today,” he concluded. “The fact that he’s out there with those guys and he’s strong, he’s flexible, it’s a credit to him. It’s a credit to guys in the weight room who have been training him. I think we’re headed in the right direction there.”

When Trapilo is fully cleared, he will re-enter the running for left tackle duties. If Jones were to falter, he could be called into action. But much like Chicago’s current starter, Trapilo must be prepared to perform if his name is called.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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