Chicago Bears are fully committed to surprise left tackle

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Chicago Bears are fully committed to surprise left tackle

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Nov 10, 2026 7:42 PM ET

When the Chicago Bears were trying to find their left tackle in training camp, Theo Benedet wasn’t a part of those conversations. The Bears’ plan was for Benedet to serve in a swing tackle role.

But then injuries crept on Chicago, with Week 1 starter Braxton Jones now out for the season. Ozzy Trapilo is on the active roster but still working towards 100 percent health. Which is why the Bears ultimately turned to Benedet.

He played every snap in their Week 8 win against the Seattle Seahawks. Then, Benedet did the same in the Week 9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Ben Johnson seems dead set on his left tackle decision.

Benedet is more than up for the task. Even if he has to play hurt, the left tackle wants to help the Bears win.

Chicago Bears put full trust into Theo Benedet

Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Truman Jones (56) rushes the quarterback as Chicago Bears offensive tackle Theo Benedet (79) defends during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Benedet picked up a shoulder injury against the Seahawks. He didn’t have much time to rehab in preparation for Week 9. But Benedet made the most of his time and would up starting at left tackle once more, via Kevin Fishbain of the Athletic.

“This is probably the toughest week of my career in terms of preparation and in terms of, you wake up every morning with an injury and just willing yourself to just take the next step, take the next rep and try to rehab it as soon as possible,” Benedet said. “But I’m lucky. I had a great support staff. I got to thank (assistant athletic trainer) Adam (LaVan) in the training room. It was all hands on deck this week, and he did a great job to just kind of do enough to get me out there.”

In terms of playing 100 percent of the snaps in back-to-back weeks, Benedet is game for whatever task Chicago throws at him. But his first priority is ensuring he won’t be a detriment to the Bears’ efforts.

“In a way, it’s gratifying to know that they want you out there even if you’re not 100 percent because they feel you can help the team and … that was really just a question, was I going to help the team or hurt the team being out there?” Benedet said, “and I felt like I could help,” Benedet said.

Benedet will now have the bye week to heal up even further. When the Bears return to play in Week 11, he seems likely to remain on Caleb Williams’ blindside.

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

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