The Chicago Bears are in search of a definitive starting left tackle as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. After 17 training camp practices, the team is still evaluating options to safeguard quarterback Williams from blindside hits. The competition has intensified with the addition of Theo Benedet, who has made significant strides in recent practices, alongside other contenders including rookie Walker Jones and Jacob Trapilo.
Benedet, a former undrafted free agent who spent the previous season on the Bears’ practice squad, has logged first-team reps at left tackle for three consecutive practices. Coach Ben Johnson emphasized the need for “clarity” in this critical evaluation period. “We’ll go as long as we need to go to find the right guy,” Johnson stated. “But we’d like to see someone go ahead and make it clear to us that he is that guy, and we just haven’t seen that yet as a staff. There’s been too much up and down.”
The Bears conducted a 135-minute practice session on Friday in preparation for their preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, scheduled for Sunday at Soldier Field. Johnson noted that this joint practice, along with the second preseason game, could help solidify the starting left tackle position ahead of the regular-season opener against Minnesota on September 8, 2024.
Johnson remains open to the idea of reassessing the left tackle situation even after the season commences. “We’d love to go ahead and solidify that spot and move forward from there,” he remarked. “It might be one of those things where when we make that decision, it’s not final for the season.”
Benedet has consistently started at left tackle during the first 11-on-11 periods and has impressed coaching staff with his performance. Johnson shared, “I’ve been very, very excited about Theo and what he’s done both on the right and the left side. He was probably overlooked to start this competition, but the longer this thing’s gone on, there’s a strong argument for what he’s put on tape.”
Jones, a former fifth-round pick, entered training camp with three seasons of experience at left tackle but missed vital spring workouts due to a fractured ankle. Johnson acknowledged Jones’ experience but emphasized that all competitors were viewed with a “blank slate” entering training camp. Despite having received ample first-team work since late July, Jones’s performance has not been consistent enough to reclaim his starting position.
Offensive line coach Dan Roushar indicated that while Jones shows potential, he must maintain a higher standard of play. “On the day off, [Jones] and I had a little communication,” Roushar explained. “I saw him set with balance and use his length, and I saw a player that we can win with. But when I watched him Sunday, he reverted back to whatever this is for you, but that’s not acceptable.”
Trapilo, who was drafted 56th overall, has been part of the left tackle conversation since spring. Although he started ten games at left tackle in 2022, most of his experience has been at right tackle. After allowing only one sack and posting a 2.1% pressure rate in the 2023 season, the Bears have recently moved Trapilo back to right tackle with the second-team unit for cross-training purposes. Johnson identified the need for Trapilo to improve his play speed, stating, “There are times where the feet have gotten a little bit slow at times, both in the run game and in pass pro.”
The fourth candidate in the left tackle competition is Amegadjie, who has missed five practices and the first preseason game due to a leg injury. He returned to practice on August 8 but has only participated with backup units. Johnson expressed regret over Amegadjie’s absence, noting, “He was getting better too. We were very pleased with the trajectory in which he was headed.”
While multiple players are vying for the left tackle spot, Johnson is clear about his intentions for the regular season. “This is not going to be a revolving door,” he asserted. “That’s not what we want. We want one guy to clearly come out and say this is his job.”
As the Bears continue their preparations, the quest for a starting left tackle remains a focal point of their training camp, underscoring the importance of this position for both the team’s offensive stability and quarterback protection.
