One of the biggest question marks entering the 2026 season was what the Chicago Bears would do at left tackle. It is now about to be Week 4, and there are still some major questions about what their plans are. The Bears will start Theo Benedet in Week 4, marking the second different starter this year. However, head coach Ben Johnson noted that Benedet will not be a long-term option.
He will start because Braxton Jones is hurt, and Ozzy Trapilo is still working back from an injury.
The Bears had started Jones for the first three weeks. However, Benedet had platooned every week. Jones played 74% of the snaps in both Weeks 1 and 2.
That appeared to be the plan again in Week 3. However, Jones suffered a knee injury and only played 46% of the snaps. Benedet had been getting work at left tackle, so he stepped in for the Bears' win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Still, Benedet struggled at times. So, the team did not want to make a determination on who would start in Week 4 until the team had updated injury statuses of Jones and Trapilo.
Jones did not practice at all. His status appears to be more week-to-week. Without getting any work, the team was quick to declare him out of the mix this week.
Trapilo is the name to watch, though. He has been ahead of schedule, and he has been practicing with the team. However, earlier in the offseason, General Manager Ryan Poles said this was a part of their plan.
They wanted to keep him active and give him work in practice so that he did not come onto the field rusty and suffer a setback or a new injury.
According to Ben Johnson, Trapilo is still ahead of schedule. He told reporters that he was encouraged by how he looked in practice this week and that he would be back sooner rather than later.
With the injury to Jones, the timing could not be better. The team can bring back Trapilo, who is technically healthy right now. Then, they would not have to force Jones back. They also do not need to give Benedet an extended look, as they view him as a competent swing tackle, but not a long-term starter.
Expect Benedet to start this week and Trapilo to be in the mix for Week 5.
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This article was originally published on www.dawindycity.com as Bears turn to Theo Benedet at left tackle for Week 4 with a clear expiration date .
