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.