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Braxton Jones named starter as Chicago Bears prepare for Panthers

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 7:28 PM

Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Braxton Jones named starter as Chicago Bears prepare for Panthers

Summary

Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson confirmed Tuesday that Braxton Jones will start at left tackle for the season opener against the Carolina Panthers. Jones, who has navigated a minor right knee injury during training camp, enters the season in better physical condition than a year ago. Meanwhile, wide receiver Rome Odunze remains day to day with an undisclosed right foot or leg injury after missing consecutive practices. Coach Johnson expressed optimism regarding his availability for Sunday. Running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai participated in practice, with Monangai continuing to work through a hyperextended knee. Additionally, second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III confirmed he is ready to play after missing time during camp with a groin injury.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Braxton Jones is the confirmed Week 1 starter at left tackle.
•Rome Odunze remains day to day with an undisclosed leg or foot injury.
•Caleb Williams, Joe Thuney, Grady Jarrett, T.J. Edwards, and Cairo Santos were voted team captains.
•Luther Burden III is cleared to return to action after a groin injury.
•Ozzy Trapilo remains limited to individual drills as he recovers from a January knee injury.

Latest Updates

7:28 PMYahoo Sports — Bears Injury Report: Rome Odunze, 3 Others Questionable for Week 1
3:31 PMYahoo Sports — Bears news: Rome Odunze's 'different' foot injury already causing headaches
10:28 PMYahoo Sports — What we learned from Chicago Bears, including Braxton Jones winning the LT job and the latest on Rome Odunze

What they're saying

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The Chicago Bears will be facing the Carolina Panthers to open the season, and there are already some concerns about their key players. It starts on offense, as Rome Odunze has been dealing with a foot injury that dates back to last season. It looks like he was past that injury in training camp but is now dealing with another foot injury , […] The post Bears news: Rome Odunze's 'different' foot injury already causing headaches appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze missed practice for the second consecutive day Tuesday as he deals with an undisclosed right foot or leg injury. Coach Ben Johnson called Odunze “day to day” and noted that the injury is not the same foot injury that nagged Odunze for much of last season. The Bears, who open the season Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, don’t have to release their ...
— Yahoo Sports