Chicago Bears offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo will not return to game action for Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Ben Johnson confirmed before Saturday’s practice. Trapilo, recovering from a torn patellar tendon sustained in January, has made progress but is not yet ready to play, Johnson told reporters.
“No,” Johnson said when asked by Chicago Sun-Times reporter Jason Lieser if Trapilo would be available for the game. The Bears are holding off on inserting him into the lineup, whether as a starter or a backup.
Trapilo’s recovery has been closely watched since he returned to practice in August. Over the last week, he participated fully, suggesting a return could be on the horizon. However, the team is cautious about rushing him back. The injury to his knee remains significant, and the Bears prefer to let him regain full strength and confidence outside of live games.
With Trapilo sidelined again, Braxton Jones will continue starting at left tackle. Jones has performed well through the first two weeks of the season, allowing only two pressures and no sacks. The Bears also plan to rotate Theo Benedet during the game, as they did in their Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, which ended in a 9-3 loss.
While Trapilo remains out, the Bears had some encouraging injury news on Saturday. Quarterback Tyson Bagent has cleared concussion protocol and is set to play against the Eagles. Kicker Cairo Santos returned to practice, and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson’s condition is improving, though no decisions on his availability were detailed.
Trapilo’s absence will test Chicago’s offensive line depth once again in a high-profile primetime game. The Bears are managing his comeback carefully after a major knee injury that sidelined him for much of the offseason and preseason.
The latest update leaves the Bears without their recovering left tackle but with other key players returning, setting the stage for Monday’s challenge against the Eagles.
According to Yahoo Sports.
