Rookie Ozzy Trapilo's dominant debut at left tackle impressed, potentially solving a long-standing offensive line puzzle for the Bears.
Like all NFL teams, the Chicago Bears have dealt with injuries this season.
In the secondary, the Bears have been without Jaylon Johnson (groin) and Kyler Gordon (calf) for an extended period.
Injuries tested Chicago's depth at linebacker on Sunday in the 31-28 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Starters T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds and Noah Sewell missed the game with injuries. Amen Ogbongbemiga, Ruben Hyppolite II and D'Marco Jackson stepped up, however.
There was also an injury at left tackle heading into Sunday, as Theo Benedet (quad) was out.
Rookie Ozzy Trapilo started in his place and was graded a 75 on PFF, via Bears Analyst Jacob Infante.
The Bears' offensive line as a whole ranked inside the top 10 on PFF for their performance on Sunday. Joe Thuney was sixth for a left guard, Drew Dalman was third among centers, Jonah Jackson was fifth among right guards and Darnell Wright was fourth for right tackles.
Left tackle has been an intriguing position for Chicago this season, as multiple players have tried their hand at it.
Braxton Jones began the year as the starter but was eventually benched for Benedet. With how well Trapilo did on Sunday, he may have earned himself some more playing time there.
Benedet has the most experience at left tackle, with seven starts. Jones started four games there before being benched.
The Bears drafted Trapilo in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Boston College. He was versatile in college, with double-digit starts at both left and right tackle. Trapilo was named Second-Team All-ACC in 2023.
He has seen the field in nine of Chicago's 11 games so far. However, Sunday was his first start for the franchise. With how he did in the win, it might not be his last start this year.
If Trapilo works out, it would be another great pick by General Manager Ryan Poles. In the last two NFL drafts, Poles has selected players who are developing quickly, such as receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, tight end Colston Loveland, and running back Kyle Monangai.
The offensive line has seen drastic improvements thanks to the moves Poles made this offseason. He traded for Thuney and Jackson and signed Dalman in free agency. The three veterans joined Wright in what has become a solid offensive line.
The Bears have allowed the fourth-fewest sacks in the NFL this season at 17, and it's no wonder why.
If Trapilo is the answer at left tackle, it would solidify a sturdy group in the trenches.