The Chicago Bears still haven’t named a Week 1 left tackle as Braxton Jones returns from ankle surgery, with a starter still up for grabs and multiple in-house options pushing to seize the job. Trade chatter around Cam Robinson adds a ceiling for an upgrade, but cap realities keep that idea fluxy. In the meantime, Jones’ health and the growth of backups Ozzy Trapilo, Theo Benedet, and Kiran Amegadjie will shape Chicago’s pass protection for early games.

Texas’ cap situation and Minnesota’s Darrisaw injury context highlight how depth and development at tackle drive midseason decisions more than quick fixes. Chicago leans on versatility across the five-man line, weighing long-term development against immediate protection needs before Week 1.

Chicago Bears 53-man cuts trimmed two of Poles' Day-2 investments, Zacch Pickens and Tyler Scott, while 2024 third-rounder Kiran Amegadjie earned a spot thanks to rare inside/outside OL versatility. Amegadjie’s shift from camp standout to reliable depth option signals a path to a swing guard role, boosting roster flexibility. Braxton Jones reclaimed the left tackle job, with Ozzy Trapilo pivoting to left guard duties or depth on the line. Theo Benedet emerged as a summer surprise, adding interior versatility. The starting LT situation remains fluid as the team continues evaluations into Week 1.

The Bears leaned into depth and flexibility on the line, prioritizing players who can plug multiple gaps and adapt to scheme needs. While Pickens and Scott move on, Amegadjie’s retention suggests a potential rooks‑and‑depth play for fantasy managers who monitor OL injuries or internal shifts. Watch Benedet’s development and Jones’ health/effect on QB time, as these pieces shape the fantasy relevance of Chicago’s blockers and the team’s overall offensive ceiling.

The NFL cut-down clock ticks toward Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline, with nine veterans flagged as possible roster casualties and several others whose spots look perilous after summer auditions. fantasy players should watch not only where these vets land, but also how teams reshuffle depth charts and special teams units as Week 1 rosters take shape.

Kyle Duggar headlines the potential ripple effects in New England after a nine-INT, high-tackle run, followed by David Ojabo in Baltimore, Malachi Corley in New York, Beanie Bishop in Pittsburgh, Kiran Amegadjie in Chicago, Hendon Hooker in Detroit, Clyde Edwards-Helaire in New Orleans, Jeff Wilson Jr. in San Francisco, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in Seattle. Each situation could alter waiver play, role definitions, and late-season fantasy upside.

As teams save cap space or unlock roster flexibility, the ripple effects could open up unexpected value for sleepers and provide new paths to upside for veterans who land elsewhere. Stay alert to practice-squad moves, trades, and surprise elevations that could reshape fantasy rosters before Week 1.

Chicago Bears left-tackle duties remain unsettled after 17 camp practices, with a five-man competition centered on Braxton Jones, Ozzy Trapilo, Kiran Amegadjie, Theo Benedet, and Caleb Williams. Benedet has surged, starting three straight practices with the ones and earning clean first-team reps, signaling a potential turning point in protection for Williams. The staff craves clarity, not a revolving door, and the upcoming joint session with Buffalo plus the second preseason game are viewed as pivotal for an opening-week decision.

Jones brings starting experience but has shown warts, while Trapilo has athleticism and run-blocking upside but needs to speed his feet. Amegadjie has missed time due to injury but is back in the mix, and Benedet has been the breakout case on tape, offering versatility on both sides. The Bears aim to solidify the job for Week 1 vs. Minnesota, yet a midseason reassessment remains on the table. For fantasy, the LT spot directly impacts Williams’ pocket time, run game tempo, and overall offense efficiency as Chicago finalizes its protection plan.