Bears 2026 Training Camp: Tracking the Open Battle at Left Tackle

One of the main storylines to follow throughout Chicago Bears training camp is the left tackle competition. 

After eight practices, three players have received starting reps with the first-team offense: Braxton Jones, Kiran Amegadjie and Jedrick Wills Jr. 

If you're keeping an eye on the left tackle position battle, here is who took starting reps protecting Caleb Williams' blindside.

(Click on the hyperlinks to read detailed reports on the Bears' training camp practices.)

Day 1: Braxton Jones

Day 2: Braxton Jones 

Day 3: Kiran Amegadjie

Day 4: Jedrick Wills Jr. 

Day 5: Braxton Jones (Full Pads)

Day 6: Braxton Jones (Full Pads)

Day 7: Braxton Jones

Day 8: Kiran Amegadjie (Full Pads)

During the Bears longest on most physical practice on Thursday (Day 8), Jones went down during a one-on-one rep with defensive end Austin Booker. He did walk off the field under his own power, but didn't finish practice. Amegadjie, third-round draft pick in 2024, took the snaps with the starting offense. 

According to ESPN's Courtney Cronin, Jones avoided "a significant injury" and the "initial belief is that the injury isn't long-term in nature with the base case scenario (after the team gathers more info on the extent) being one where Jones would be considered day to day."

The Bears don't practice on Friday, but they will return on Saturday. Head coach Ben Johnson will be scheduled to talk early next week, which should provide a better indication on Jones' health moving forward.

Before Jones was injured, he had practiced with the starting offense for three straight practices, including two in full pads. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor was asked on Wednesday about Jones' performance in training camp and how it correlates with the consistency the team wants at the position. 

“That's the biggest thing with all those guys," Taylor said. "We're going to give everybody an opportunity at that left tackle spot, and we'll see who ends up taking the bull by the horns there. But I think Braxton has done what we've expected in terms of being physical, being in great communication with our left guards as well, being in communication with the tight ends. That's something that I think as an entire unit, so far with two days in pads, we can improve. And that will be a big part of our step forward, but just giving those guys an opportunity and seeing who's going to step up and take that job."

When it comes to a timeline for naming a starter, Johnson didn't commit to a specific date when he wanted the competition to become finale. The Bears' head coach spoke before Jones' injury on Thursday. 

"We're hoping, you know, maybe middle of next week, we'll have a lot of clarity there," Johnson said. "We're going to continue to roll guys through, you know, Kiran's certainly taking some reps over there, Jedrick, Theo's [Benedet] in the mix. I mean, this is not a done deal. By any stretch of the imagination. We're going to continue to cycle guys." 

The Bears named Jones the starting left tackle last season on Sept. 2, just six days before the team's Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Johnson said, "Of course" he would like to name a starter quicker this time around, "but we'll go as long as we need to and even if that means into the season. We'll do whatever it takes."