Braxton Jones earns starting left tackle job for Bears season opener
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 11:51 PM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026
The Chicago Bears confirmed Braxton Jones will serve as the starting left tackle for the season opener against the Carolina Panthers on September 13. Jones secured the position over competitors after a roster shuffle that included the departures of Kiran Amegadjie and Jedrick Wills Jr. The team currently holds Jones in the role until Ozzy Trapilo recovers from a patellar tendon injury sustained last season. While Trapilo lacks an injury designation and could return to the starting lineup by Week 4, the Bears will rely on Jones for the initial transition. The offensive line remains in flux following the retirement of starting center Drew Dalman and the subsequent acquisition of Garrett Bradbury. Chicago looks to stabilize its pass protection for quarterback Caleb Williams as the team prepares for the upcoming Week 1 road game.
- •Braxton Jones enters his fifth NFL season as the confirmed starting left tackle.
- •Ozzy Trapilo is expected to challenge for the starting role upon his return from injury.
- •The Bears travel to play the Carolina Panthers for the Week 1 opener on September 13.
- •Garrett Bradbury will start at center following the unexpected retirement of Drew Dalman.
- •Theo Benedet will serve as the team's swing tackle.
- 11:51 PMYahoo Sports — Chicago Bears Get Good News Ahead of Panthers Game
- 8:44 PMYahoo Sports — Bears Make Long-Awaited Announcement Ahead of Panthers Opener
"The Chicago Bears finally released their first injury report of the 2026 regular season Wednesday, and Bears fans probably could not have asked for much better news. The post Chicago Bears Get Good News Ahead of Panthers Game appeared first on HEAVY.
"The Chicago Bears just made one of their biggest decisions of the offseason. The post Bears Make Long-Awaited Announcement Ahead of Panthers Opener appeared first on HEAVY.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 9, 2026, 11:51 PMChicago Bears Get Good News Ahead of Panthers Game
The Chicago Bears finally released their first injury report of the 2026 regular season Wednesday, and Bears fans probably could not have asked for much better news. The post Chicago Bears Get Good News Ahead of Panthers Game appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 8:44 PMBears Make Long-Awaited Announcement Ahead of Panthers Opener
The Chicago Bears just made one of their biggest decisions of the offseason. The post Bears Make Long-Awaited Announcement Ahead of Panthers Opener appeared first on HEAVY.
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