Overview
- The Bears have designated Braxton Jones as their starting left tackle for the season opener in Carolina while the team keeps the position settled for now.
- Head coach Ben Johnson said Trapilo has shown strong rehab work in practice but he cannot provide a timeline for when Trapilo will be ready to start.
- Trapilo tore his patellar tendon in the January playoff win over Green Bay, returned to practice after aggressive rehab in mid‑August, and was activated from the active/PUP list ahead of roster cuts.
- Jones has starting experience and will hold the blind‑side spot unless the Bears see enough practice reps and a medical clearance to risk returning Trapilo to game duty.
- The activation gives Chicago roster flexibility and depth but the staff is proceeding cautiously to avoid re‑injury, so the left tackle role could change only after explicit medical clearance and further practice evaluation.