The Chicago Bears kick off the regular season in less than two weeks, and we still have no idea who will be starting at left tackle against the Carolina Panthers.
The Bears' competition for starting left tackle between Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, Jedrick Wills Jr. and Kiran Amegadjie didn't inspire much confidence on an offensive line that's considered a strength of the team. But head coach Ben Johnson doesn't sound concerned. In fact, he says the team feels "good to go" heading into the season opener.
“I think we're going to be good to go for Week 1," Johnson said. "We'll talk a little bit more as a staff just to make sure we're all aligned, but I think we're going to be in good shape. We're going to be able to operate as an offense and I think we'll
be able to score points. It's going to take all 11 of those guys out there in order to get that done.”
At first glance, it certainly feels like Jones "won" the left tackle job and will be the starter against the Panthers, which coincidentally is exactly how last year started before eventually Jones was benched in Week 4. While Jones more than likely will be the starter come Week 1, you have to wonder if second-year pro Ozzy Trapilo factors into the equation.
Trapilo, who returned just seven months after a ruptured patellar tendon, is on the 53-man roster, an indication that he's closer than four weeks away from returning to action. The team has been ramping him up at his own pace, but there's no timetable for his return.
Johnson said he feels the Bears will be "good to go" for Week 1, which makes you wonder if Trapilo could be in the starting lineup against the Panthers. Especially after Jones' struggles in preseason that didn't inspire a lot of confidence.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson comments on Bears' left tackle situation
