Bears face ongoing left tackle competition and injury updates
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 9:14 PM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
The Chicago Bears have 27 days to determine their starting left tackle for the season opener against the Carolina Panthers. Coach Ben Johnson confirmed that the competition remains open, with Braxton Jones, Jedrick Wills Jr., and Theo Benedet all in consideration following Tuesday's practice. Both Kyler Gordon, sidelined with a calf injury, and receiver Luther Burden III, out with a groin injury, have unclear timelines for their returns. Johnson is hopeful for clarity on key positions during the upcoming joint practices and preseason games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans.
- •Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet received first-team reps at left tackle.
- •Kyler Gordon's injury status remains uncertain with no return timeline.
- •Luther Burden III is also sidelined, impacting receiver depth.
- •Joint practices with the Bengals and Titans this week could clarify starting roles.
- •Kyle Monangai is considered week-to-week with a knee injury.
- 9:14 PMYahoo Sports — Bears notebook: No end in sight for left tackle competition – or Kyler Gordon’s absences
"LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Not that anyone is counting. But the Bears have 27 days to figure out who their starting left tackle is for their season opener against the...
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