Rookie left tackle Ozzy Trapilo's promising season ended abruptly. His injury recovery now casts a shadow over his 2026 availability, impacting the Bears' offensive line plans.
The Chicago Bears found their answer at left tackle halfway through the 2025 season in rookie Ozzy Trapilo.
Braxton Jones was starter when the season began before being replaced by Theo Benedet due to his poor play. Benedet was injured and wasn't able to play in Week 12 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, allowing for Trapilo to get a shot at left tackle.
He excelled there and was the starter for the remainder of the season.
Then misfortune struck Trapilo in the playoffs.
During the 31-27 win over the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card, Trapilo suffered a patellar injury that would end his season. Linebacker T.J. Edwards also had his season ended during the same game after sustaining a fractured fibula earlier.
Ben Johnson had to decide whether to play Benedet at left tackle for the remainder of the playoffs or turn to Joe Thuney, who had played tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs in the postseason before.
Johnson took a risk, giving Thuney the start, and it paid off.
Even though the Bears lost in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round, the offensive line didn't allow a single sack.
Fans anxiously awaited a timeline for Trapilo's return from injury, but General Manager Ryan Poles delivered some unfortunate news, sharing that Trapilo may not be on the field again until the end of the 2026 season.
Trapilo's injury wasn't top of mind when it happened. Bears fans were more focused on the playoff run at hand. But now with the season over as we turn the page to 2026, Trapilo's injury really complicates things this offseason.
The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs recently wrote about how Trapilo could be out for most of the 2026 campaign.
"What the options are remains to be seen," Biggs said. "It's possible the Bears would consider re-signing [Braxton] Jones, who will be an unrestricted free agent. Trapilo's recovery from a torn patellar tendon in his left knee could sideline him for the bulk of the 2026 season."
Chicago has already brought back Benedet, who has plenty of starting experience at left tackle under his belt. But with Trapilo's return timeline in flux, it may be a good idea to consider re-signing Jones or bringing in a veteran free agent from outside the organization as a temporary fix.
Trapilo was one of many rookies who saw significant playing time and made major contributions for the Bears this past season. Running back Kyle Monangai, receiver Luther Burden and tight end Colston Loveland all made their mark in just one year with the organization.
That stability on the offensive side of the ball is a huge advantage. Not just because it gives the Bears a core of players to build around, but because it makes their offseason focus much simpler: Use all the resources to build the defense!
Things are not quite that simple now that left tackle is a clear need.
Trapilo was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Boston College and appeared to be a big hit by Ryan Poles in the draft.
Unfortunately, the road back from here is a long one.