Chicago Bears offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo isn't going to start in Sunday's regular season opener against the Carolina Panthers, but head coach Ben Johnson's comments indicate he's on his way to returning to the field.
On Tuesday, the Bears head coach met the media ahead of the team's first game on Sunday and provided updates on a number of topics related to the team, including naming Braxton Jones the starting left tackle following a lengthy competition throughout training camp. That led to questions regarding Trapilo's status and while Johnson didn't make any promises, it sounds like his recovery is going as good as it can be.
"I can’t say it’s in the near future. I know he’s working his tail off," Johnson said via ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "It’s
been beyond impressive for him to be where he is today. The fact that he’s out there with those guys and he’s strong, he’s flexible, it’s a credit to him. It’s a credit to guys in the weight room who have been training him. I think we’re headed in the right direction there."
Trapilo, a 2025 second-round pick, became the starting left tackle midway through the season and showed plenty of promise while learning on the job. Unfortunately, that development was stunted when Trapilo suffered a torn patellar tendon during January's playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers, an injury that was expected to sideline him for much of, if not the entire, 2026 season. But thanks to an aggressive rehab, Trapilo miraculously returned to practice in mid-August and is inching closer to making his return.
Johnson's comments indicate that it could still be a while until Trapilo is ready for game action, which means Jones may not have a short stay at left tackle. When dealing with as serious of an injury as Trapilo had, it's important to exercise caution and make sure he's 100% ready to play. And if Jones winds up playing well, the Bears won't need to rush Trapilo back.
Despite the fact Trapilo won't be available this week and could still be out for some time, his eventual return is still good news for the Bears as they set out to defend their NFC North title and prepare to return to the postseason.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson provides injury update on OT Ozzy Trapilo
