Chicago Bears left tackle battle gets X-factor label before Week 1

While the Chicago Bears have invested heavily on their offensive line, left tackle has been a revolving door. That looks to be the case again entering the 2026 campaign.

Braxton Jones will be the Week 1 starter. But after Ozzy Trapilo’s lightning quick return from a ruptured patellar tendon, he will soon be in the mix too. Trapilo’s availability makes him the Bears’ biggest X-factor in Ben Solak of ESPN’s eyes.

“Chicago was blessed with great offensive line health for much of last season, and that excellent line features right tackle Darnell Wright, right guard Jonah Jackson and left guard Joe Thuney,” Solak wrote. “Trapilo does not need to be an elite player to single-handedly power the Bears’ front.”

“But if the left tackle spot becomes a liability, all those talented players at other spots will matter less when pressure consistently comes off Caleb Williams’ blind side,” he continued. “By giving the Bears functional play at left tackle, Trapilo can ensure the line picks up where it left off last season.”

While Trapilo is on the 53-man roster, he still has some hurdles to leap before being fully cleared. When he is, the Bears will have a crucial decision to make at left tackle.

Ozzy Trapilo is Chicago Bears X-factor

A second-round pick in 2025, Trapilo made the move from right to left tackle. He managed to appear in 14 games as a rookie, starting six of them. Trapilo had fully claimed the starting job, as his injury came in Chicago’s Wild Card Round loss.

For his efforts, Trapilo earned a 69.9 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 37/89 tackles. His 71.5 pass blocking grade ranked 37th. While he still has room to grow, Trapilo’s rookie season gave a strong first impression.

For now, Jones will protect Caleb Williams’ blindside. But as Trapilo gets healthier, he’ll have a real opportunity to reclaim the starting role,

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