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Bears Name Braxton Jones Week 1 Starter at Left Tackle

Coaches frame the choice as an ongoing audition with a reassessment expected around the Week 5 bye.

Overview

  • The 2022 fifth-rounder, a 40-game starter returning from a 2024 ankle surgery, beat out Ozzy Trapilo, Theo Benedet and Kiran Amegadjie after a multi-week camp competition.
  • Jones earned the nod by taking every preseason snap with quarterback Caleb Williams and finishing camp practicing with the first-team offense.
  • Head coach Ben Johnson said performance will determine whether Jones keeps the role and stressed the staff is willing to make a change if needed.
  • Depth plans place Benedet as the primary backup at left tackle, with Trapilo working at right tackle for the second unit and Amegadjie practicing at guard.
  • On defense, Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson expects to be cleared to practice, though his status for Week 1 remains uncertain.