Jones faces a major Week 1 test against a Vikings pass rush that can bend a game with pressure. If he’s a notch below, Chicago’s rhythm offense may lag; if healthy, he helps Caleb Williams find immediate rhythm and keeps the Bears’ running game in play.

Jones faces a fierce start with Greenard and Van Ginkel’s edge pressure. His protection will influence McCarthy’s comfort and Chicago’s ability to sustain drives. If Jones holds up, Chicago can keep the Vikings’ pass rush honest and maintain balance.

Jones is Chicago’s weak link at left tackle, facing a high-stress Minnesota front that thrives on 1-on-1 wins. The matchup with Greenard and the Vikings’ blitz scheme tests his consistency and readiness, especially after notching a concussion absence in the prior game sequence.

Jones starts Week 1 at left tackle amid health concerns, with Flores’ blitz packages looming. His performance will be a key determinant of Chicago’s pass protection and Caleb Williams’ potential Week 1 time to throw, influencing both sides’ fantasy landscapes.

Braxton Jones handles the left tackle spot under evaluation for the first four weeks. The conversation centers on protection against a Vikings interior test and how his performance could shape Caleb Williams’s comfort and the offense’s ability to sustain drives in high-leverage moments.