The Chicago Bears received some unfortunate news on Wednesday, as offensive tackle Braxton Jones will miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season. Jones underwent surgery on his right knee, officially ending any hopes of a return this season.
Jones originally suffered the injury during Chicago’s Week 3 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, exiting the game in the third quarter. The Bears subsequently placed him on injured reserve on October 3, initially leaving the door open for a return after the mandatory
four-game absence.
Unfortunately, that return will no longer happen.
From the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs.
Jones suffered a partially torn patellar tendon, and the plan was for him to rehabilitate the injury before determining if it was feasible for him to return this season and delay surgery. After a little more than a month, it was decided to have the injury repaired, an NFL source said Wednesday.
The 27-year-old tackle entered the season having won the competition for the starting left tackle position after signing a one-year, 5 million dollar deal to remain in Chicago this past offseason. After starting the first three games, another injury has cut his season short, raising questions about his future with the organization.
The 6-foot-5, 303-pound tackle is in his fifth NFL season, having spent his entire career in Chicago after being selected in the fifth round (168th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Southern Utah. Despite his relatively modest draft position, Jones has accumulated 47 starts in 49 career appearances, including starting all 17 games during his rookie campaign.
For Jones, this is another frustrating setback in a career that has shown promise but has increasingly been interrupted by injuries. With his contract expiring after this season, it’s fair to wonder whether we’ve seen his final snap in a Bears uniform.
Regardless of what happens next, here’s hoping Jones makes a full recovery.
Gary Baugher Jr. is a second year contributor to WCG, bringing football insight backed by over 16 years of experience in organized football and more than 30 years as a passionate fan of the game. You can follow him on Twitter at @iamcogs.
