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 coach Ben Johnson keeps the starting left tackle role earned, not given, as training camp unfolds around Braxton Jones, Ozzy Trapilo and Theo Benedet. The battle centers on protecting Caleb Williams while eyeing a Week 1 test against Minnesota, with Johnson stressing merit and avoiding early anointing.

Jones leads the incumbent group, but Trapilo and Benedet push for first-team reps, a dynamic that could reshape Williams’ fantasy upside if protection stabilizes. The outcome will shape both run and pass schemes in a pivotal opener.

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.

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.

The Chicago Bears’ left-tackle competition has shifted from a two-man race to a three-way audition, with Theo Benedet emerging as a dark horse contender alongside Braxton Jones and Ozzy Trapilo. Benedet, an undrafted free agent, found himself in the three-man left tackle rotation during the last Sunday’s preseason opener against the Dolphins after an injury to Kiran Amegadjie. He rotated with Jones at times for the first team, drawing praise from OL coach Dan Roushar who noted Benedet’s dramatic spring-to-now growth and his relentless work ethic, keeping him squarely in the fight for a starting spot as the preseason continues.

Following that showing, Benedet continued to split first-team reps with Jones in practice, while Trapilo worked on the right side with the second unit. The plan appears to be a rotation strategy to evaluate all three, meaning Benedet’s roster chances hinge on continued improvement and consistency. While he insists he’s a long shot for the job, Benedet has captured the attention of the coaching staff, signaling that the Bears’ offensive line could be more competitive than initially anticipated this season.

As Roushar emphasized, Benedet’s growth has been among the most notable in the group, suggesting a future where depth and versatility up front could shape Chicago’s offensive performance. The unfolding battle remains open, making Benedet a player fantasy managers should monitor closely for potential lift in pass protection and run blocking if he earns a starting role.