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Bears Get Tentative Boost as Report Says Ozzy Trapilo May Return Sooner Than Expected

A Sports Illustrated report suggests an earlier-than-expected recovery for Trapilo that could ease the Bears’ left-tackle shortage and affect preseason evaluations.

Overview

  • Sports Illustrated reporter Albert Breer wrote Monday that left tackle Ozzy Trapilo “might be back sooner than expected” after he ruptured his patellar tendon in the January wild-card game.
  • Trapilo’s injury was initially judged likely to cost most or all of the 2026 season, so any acceleration of his rehab would materially improve the Bears’ offensive-line outlook.
  • Projected starter Braxton Jones has missed multiple training-camp practices with an unspecified injury and has no timetable, which has forced Jedrick Wills Jr. and Kiran Amegadjie to rotate with first-team reps.
  • Rookie receiver Zavion Thomas left practice with knee soreness and is described as likely day-to-day while Luther Burden III will miss the preseason with a strained groin but is expected to be available for the regular-season opener.
  • If Trapilo can return this year he would stabilize the blind-side spot and reduce pressure to add outside help, while the team’s short-term choices in camp and the preseason will shape the roster decision at left tackle.