Bears Could Start Ozzy Trapilo Against Buccaneers
Chicago's left tackle spot could be reopened Sunday as Theo Benedet's shoulder injury remains in question.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
The Chicago Bears announced Ozzy Trapilo could return as starting left tackle Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Theo Benedet's shoulder injury still in question. Braxton Jones was lost for the season with a knee injury earlier this week.
Why it matters
Left tackle stability is central to protecting the quarterback, and the Bears are short on reliable options after several line injuries. Trapilo's possible return offers Chicago a path back to its preferred starter at a key position.
Trapilo has logged 36 offensive snaps and 19 special teams snaps this season, while Benedet has started five of the Bears' eight games. The Bears' 6-2 record is the baseline against which their depth decisions are being made.
The players
Ozzy Trapilo
Trapilo is a Bears offensive lineman who began his career as a rookie and was in line to start at left tackle before a playoff knee injury.
Theo Benedet
Benedet is a Bears offensive lineman who has started most of Chicago's games this season and is dealing with a shoulder injury.
Ben Johnson
Johnson is the Bears head coach who benched Braxton Jones in 2025 in favor of Theo Benedet.
The details
Offensive coordinator Press Taylor said he feels good about the path to get Trapilo back as a starter if needed. Trapilo won the starting job from Benedet during the stretch run before tearing his patellar tendon against the Green Bay Packers in Round 1 of the playoffs.
Timeline
Round 1 of the 2026 playoffs: Trapilo tore his patellar tendon against Green Bay.
Earlier this week: Braxton Jones was lost for the season with a knee injury.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: The Bears announced Trapilo may return to the starting lineup.
Sunday, November 8, 2026: Chicago hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Season Trajectory
Chicago's line depth has been tested repeatedly this season, and the upcoming three weeks are the closest thing to a reprieve the Bears will have. How the team handles Trapilo's return will shape its playoff positioning as it enters its Week 10 bye.
Fantasy managers tracking Bears offensive linemen should note the possible shift in starting assignments if Benedet's shoulder keeps him out. The Week 10 bye means Chicago's next three games are the stretch that will determine how much rest Trapilo gets before returning to full duty.
The takeaway
Injury depth matters more than any single starter, and Chicago's ability to rotate line options will decide whether the stretch run holds together.
What happens next
The Bears host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, November 8, 2026, where Trapilo may start at left tackle before the Week 10 bye.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, see Chicago Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
