Overview
- Early August practice reports show Braxton Jones still the spring front‑runner but first‑team reps are now being split with Jedrick Wills Jr. and Kiran Amegadjie, keeping the job open.
- Head coach Ben Johnson has said he is grading players on consistency in one-on-one pass sets, with the ability to execute backside cutoffs in the wide‑zone scheme as a key factor.
- ESPN coverage and team reporting note roster stakes are high because the Bears may keep only one backup tackle on the 53-man roster, placing Wills and Amegadjie at risk of being cut.
- Theo Benedet is viewed as the most likely swing tackle after starting multiple games in 2025, and Garrett Bradbury has taken first‑team center reps while earning public praise for his communication.
- The staff will use padded practices, joint sessions and the preseason opener on August 15 as decisive evaluation windows before final cuts ahead of the September 13 season opener.