Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ozzy Trapilo tear his patellar tendon?
Ozzy Trapilo tore his patellar tendon in January against Green Bay. Experts initially believed his best-case scenario for returning was around midseason in 2026, with some thinking he could miss the entire season.
Who are the Bears using at left tackle while Trapilo recovers?
The Bears brought back Braxton Jones on a one-year deal and added former first-round pick Jedrick Wills for competition. The hope was that one of them would emerge in training camp as a placeholder until Trapilo was ready.
Could Ozzy Trapilo be placed on injured reserve to start the 2025 season?
The Bears are considering placing Trapilo on injured reserve and targeting a return around Week 5, after the four-game minimum. This would still be considerably ahead of the timetable the team loosely discussed in January and March.
How did the Bears perform last season when Braxton Jones or Benedet started at left tackle?
The Bears went 7-3 in games where Jones or Benedet started at left tackle last season. Jones wasn't fully healthy at the time and Benedet had fundamental concerns, but both issues have lessened according to head coach Ben Johnson.
When will the Bears make a final decision on Ozzy Trapilo's status for the start of the season?
Expect a decision after the third preseason game, just over a week away from when the article was written. The final call will rest with head coach Ben Johnson and offensive line coach Dan Roushar, with Jones and Benedet's performance also factoring into the decision.
Erik Lambert
I’m a football writer with more than 15 years covering the Chicago Bears. I hold a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and my work on Sports Mockery has earned more than twenty million views. I focus on providing analysis, context, and reporting on Bears strategy, roster decisions, and team developments, and I’ve shared insight on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts in the U.S. and Europe.
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