Ben Johnson comments on Bears' left tackle situation
With the season opener just around the corner, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson discussed the state of the left tackle position.
The Chicago Bears are set to commence their regular season in just over two weeks, but the starting left tackle position remains uncertain. Head coach Ben Johnson expressed cautious optimism, stating that the team feels "good to go" heading into the opener. "I think we're going to be good to go for Week 1," Johnson said, adding that he plans to discuss the situation further with the coaching staff to ensure everyone is aligned.
The Bears currently have four candidates vying for the starting spot: Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, Jedrick Wills Jr., and Kiran Amegadjie. Jones appears to be the frontrunner, similar to last year when he seemingly won the job before being benched in Week 4. However, Jones' preseason struggles have raised questions about his readiness.
Rookie Ozzy Trapilo, who returned from a torn patellar tendon just seven months ago, is on the 53-man roster, suggesting he is closer to returning than anticipated. Johnson confirmed that the team is gradually bringing Trapilo up to speed but declined to provide a timetable for his potential return. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the left tackle position, Johnson's assertion that the Bears will be ready for Week 1 has sparked speculation about the role of Trapilo in the starting lineup against the Carolina Panthers.
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