Bears ‘optimistic’ on Trapilo’s (knee) return

Jones is unable to play, and OT Ozzy Trapilo (knee) is not yet ready to return from his 2025 season-ending injury, so OT Theo Benedet gets the start on the left side. As far as backups go, Benedet is solid. He generally fares better as a run blocker than as a pass protector, though.

The Bears will be without their starting left tackle in Week 4 against the Jets. Johnson said second-year OT Ozzy Trapilo (knee) is “getting closer,” but he does not know if he will be able to play this week. Johnson adds that LG Joe Thuney and his backup, OG Jordan McFadden, can play offensive tackle if needed.

This will be Trapilo’s first padded practice since he ruptured his patellar tendon as a rookie last season. The 2025 second-round pick was putting together a solid first season when he suffered the injury. He may not be ready to resume playing on game day yet, but he will serve as a top-tier backup and potentially even challenge for a starting job when he returns. Bears coach Ben Johnson spoke positively about LT Braxton Jones. Bears RT Darnell Wright has been playing through a knee injury.

Trapilo was actually removed from the final injury report, but The Athletic reports he is still not game ready after rupturing his patellar tendon last season. It is unclear when that might be, but Trapilo is at least now trending toward contributing at some point this season. Also inactive for the Bears are QB Case Keenum, DL Jayden Loving, DL Jamree Kromah and OL Jordan McFadden.

Wright is good to go against the Vikings’ blitz-happy defense. Bears OT Ozzy Trapilo (knee) was also removed from the injury report, though it is unclear whether he will actually make his 2026 debut. The second-year offensive lineman’s promising rookie season was cut short by a ruptured patellar tendon. He was listed as questionable last week before being ruled out. If active, he would likely serve as a backup, but this is great news overall.

Wright’s return and OT Ozzy Trapilo’s continued limited participation are both great signs. The Bears will need Wright against the Vikings’ aggressive, blitz-based defense on Sunday. Trapilo is working his way back from a season-ending patellar tendon rupture and has reportedly been making great progress.

Trapilo is working his way back from a season-ending patellar tendon rupture. Starting Bears RT Darnell Wright (knee) was unable to practice at all today. These injuries are worth watching with a game against the blitz-heavy Vikings coming up this weekend.

Trapilo went down with a torn patellar tendon against the Packers in the Wild Card round last season. Bears GM Ryan Poles initially said he would be out “deep into next year.” Trapilo has made a remarkable recovery and has a shot to suit up this week. Even if he isn’t quite ready, the Bears should have their starting left tackle back early in the season. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent (back) is also questionable for Week 1.

Trapilo even resumed practicing today. This is quite an accomplishment. Trapilo suffered a season-ending patellar tendon rupture in the Bears’ Wild Card Round win over the Packers last year. He was expected to be sidelined “deep into next year,’ per general manager Ryan Poles, but Trapilo’s recovery has apparently gone very well. Trapilo proved himself as a capable pass protector and run blocker. He may need a while to ramp up, but the Bears are currently hosting a competition for the left tackle job. Veteran OT Braxton Jones has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury, but coach Ben Johnson recently said he could resume practicing this week. He got in one limited session last week.

Trapilo suffered a torn patellar tendon against the Packers in the Wild Card round. Theo Benedet will likely be the fill-in to start the season unless the Bears want to restructure some contracts against the cap to add a depth piece they’d prefer to Benedet.