On September 10, reports indicated that Trapilo is preparing to begin team drills. Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar indicated that Trapilo is getting closer to rejoining full practice, noting that they have completed post-work with him on bodies. He emphasized that actual on-field team drills are the next step and that Trapilo has shown encouraging progress so far.
Trapilo suffered a torn patellar tendon in January during the Bears’ playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers. Initially, there was speculation that the 2025 second-round pick might miss a substantial portion of the upcoming season. However, he progressed through rehabilitation more quickly than anticipated and participated in on-field work during the August preseason sessions.
To start the year, Chicago did not place Trapilo on injured reserve (IR) or the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which would have required him to miss at least four games. This decision signals optimism that he could be back in action by Week 4, a game scheduled against the New York Jets in Chicago on October 4.
In the interim, Braxton Jones is expected to serve as the starting left tackle. Jones had held that role for much of his first four seasons with the Bears before being displaced by Trapilo. Jones’ return to the left tackle spot comes after he earned praise for his resilience, including a notable performance following a joint practice week.
Braxton Jones’ path back to the lineup was marked by a one-year contract worth $5 million, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities. As Trapilo works back to full health, Jones’ role as the starter at left tackle will continue until Trapilo is ready to resume his duties, at which point the lineup could shift again with Benedet serving as the swing tackle and potentially moving into a complementary role behind starting tackle Darnell Wright.
As the season opener against the Panthers approached, Jones expressed pride in his own journey, highlighting his comeback from the Tennessee joint practice and his determination to continue proving himself. He emphasized that earning the opportunity to start as a fifth-round pick is meaningful and that he intends to keep working hard to sustain his performance.
This update reflects ongoing progress in Trapilo’s rehabilitation and the Bears’ plans for their offensive line as Week 1 preparations continue.
