Ben Johnson details Chicago Bears’ left tackle plan amid Braxton Jones injury

Braxton Jones made a strong impression on the Chicago Bears over the first three weeks of the season. But now a knee injury has sent him to the sidelines. Head coach Ben Johnson officially called him week-to-week.

How long Jones will be out exactly is not yet known. But at least for their Week 4 matchup against the New York Jets, the Bears must consider a backup plan at left tackle.

With Ozzy Trapilo off the injury report, he would seem like a logical replacement. However, Johnson said he wasn’t sure if Trapilo would be activated this week. He did acknowledge the tackle is getting closer to fully making his return.

If not Jones, and if not Trapilo, at left tackle, the Bears will have some major questions at the position. But Johnson already has a plan in place.

Ben Johnson lays out Bears’ left tackle situation

Caleb Williams, Ryan Poles — Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney (62) blocks for quarterback Caleb Williams (18) against Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) during the first quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Ideally, the Bears would want to replace their injured left tackle with a…left tackle. But Chicago may not have that luxury in mind. A pair of guards must be prepared to potentially protect Caleb Williams’ blindside, via Johnson’s Wednesday press conference.

“He’s part of that mix, where we’re talking about guys we’ve got to evaluate throughout the course of the week,” Johnson said of Trapilo. “If not him, I think we’ve got other options at tackle. Jordan McFadden has played out wide. Obviously, we put Joe there in the past as well. We’ve got a lot of options there.”

Thuney is a leader of the offensive line and team captain at left guard. Moving him from that spot would send tidal waves throughout the rest of the trenches. But Thuney, who is the reigning Protector of the Year, has proven his versatility in the past. It’s not like he’d have to learn how to play left tackle.

McFadden is a backup at guard who has yet to play a game in 2026. If Thuney is at LT, perhaps McFadden replaces him at guard. Or, Johnson could have him make his season debut playing tackle himself.

Overall, the Bears will have some decisions to make in the wake of Jones’ injury. Their week of practice will make their plan against the Jets clearer.

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