Bears HC Ben Johnson anticipating ‘really difficult decision’ ahead of new NFL season

Training camp allows NFL head coaches, including the Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson, to see the entire roster in action. While they can assess each player and their development, they also face tough decisions, like who to cut or bench.

The same can be said about Chicago this year. Several young players emerged as rising stars last season, pressuring the veterans to perform even better. Practice sessions also enable the coaching staff to address positional needs and make adjustments ahead of the regular season.

One of the players who has impressed in training camp is offensive tackle Jedrick Willis. The Alabama Crimson Tide product joined the team after signing a one-year deal on March 12. Willis missed the entire 2025 season as he wanted his knee ligament’s alignment issue to fully heal.

Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears — May 10, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks the field during rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Imagesgo

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson expects to make tough decision before the regular season

Willis’ strong play will make it difficult for Johnson and his staff to decide who will start at left tackle. Braxton Jones and Ozzy Trapilo split the starting role last season. However, Trapilo is still recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon he sustained in January and will miss the majority of 2026. His condition leaves the door wide open for Jones and Willis to compete for the role.

Johnson anticipates strong competition and addressed the situation on Monday.

“Well, I know Alabama, Cleveland, before he (Willis) got hurt, that he was a very powerful player. It’s hard to say that yet (who will start),” Johnson said. “Hopefully, we’ll see over the course of the next few days, next couple weeks, if that continues to be the case. You know, he hadn’t played football in a while, and so you’re a little bit like, ‘Where’s the confidence level at?’ And from what we’ve seen the last four days, it’s been pretty good. It’s been a good start.

“Like I said, Braxton’s been great. Jed’s firmly in the mix. Ron got some reps with the ones. I think Theo’s (Benedet) worth mentioning as well. I mean, I think we got a really good group of guys that continue to ascend to get better. So hopefully it’s a really difficult decision for us.

“Hopefully it’s a really difficult decision for us.”

Ben Johnson on Jedrick Wills & LT competition: pic.twitter.com/uebQYSxz9u

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) August 3, 2026

The good news for Johnson is he has options and that training camp is already bringing out the A-games of his OTs. As the regular season approaches, he faces the unenviable task of informing someone that he will cut them or have them serve as a backup.