Chicago Bears rookie tackle shines in first career start

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Eric Root | Last updated Nov 24, 2025 2:27 PM ET

Despite dealing with too many injuries on both side of the ball, the Chicago Bears were able to pull off a major win against the Pittsburgh Steelers to improve to 8-3 on the season.

More news: Chicago Bears HC Ben Johnson sends warning to Caleb Williams about turnovers

The Bears went into Sunday’s game with numerous key absences on defense. All three starting linebackers were injured. Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson did not play despite returning to practice. And then during the game, the defense lost Ruben Hyppolite and Tyrique Stevenson as well.

The injury bug hasn’t just affected the defense as well. Starting left tackle Theo Benedet did not play during Sunday’s game due to a quad injury. With Braxton Jones being on injured reserve, this left rookie Ozzy Trapilo as the only tackle available to fill in for Benedet.

Ozzy Trapilo stepped up in a major way in his first start for the Chicago Bears

Ozzy Trapilo will be battling Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie for the left tackle job – Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

More news: Crucial Chicago Bears divisional matchup to be flexed

The Bears’ second round draft pick ended up making his first career start against a very tough Pittsburgh defensive front. Trapilo exceeded expectations and stepped up in a major way.

Trapilo held his own and did an excellent job protecting Caleb Williams in Sunday’s 31-28 win.

According to Ryan Fowler, Trapilo only allowed one pressure on 41 pass protection snaps. The rookie did not allow a single sack and was given a pass protection grade of 88.4 as well.

LT for Chicago has been a weak spot along a rebuilt front five this fall… but not today.

Heck of an afternoon for rookie Ozzy Trapilo against a veteran Steelers front (41 pass pro snaps):

• 1 pressure
• 0 sacks
• 0 QB hits
~ 88.4 pass pro effectiveness grade

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) November 23, 2025

The Bears’ second round rookie stepped up in a major way on Sunday. Trapilo showed that he is more than capable to be a starter on this offensive line.

With how Benedet has struggled when starting, Trapilo may have just earned himself a shot at being the starting left tackle for the remainder of the season.

NFL: Combine Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Boston College offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo (OL42) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

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

More must-reads: