It's becoming clear to everyone monitoring the Chicago Bears' training camp that no one knows what the outcome will be in the left tackle position battle.
On Wednesday, the ultimate wrinkle occurred with Theo Benedet joining the left tackle picture as he took reps with the first team. Benedet and Braxton Jones split reps with the first team while Ozzy Trapilo moved to right tackle to work out with the second team.
Thursday added a new element to the battle. Benedet once again got first team reps at left tackle, but Jones was also moved to right tackle to get some work in. Bears Wire's Alyssa Barbieri shared the details on the situation.
"But there was a new development with Braxton Jones, also competing for the left tackle job, getting a look at right tackle as Chicago continues to cross train their offensive tackles, which would come in handy should an injury happen on either side. With that said, it was Jones and Theo Benedet once again rotating with the starters at left tackle. It'll be interesting to see how the Bears handle this when the Bills join them on the practice field."
What happens now at left tackle for the Bears?
There could be several factors at play here. Fans might read too much into this as it could be more of making sure all the tackles know how to play on both sides. This is a smart strategy to make sure that if injuries occur, more guys could step up.
Another aspect is that the Bears have not yet found their guy. Jones struggled in the Bears' 24-24 preseason tie to the Miami Dolphins. Many thought Trapilo played his way into the starting lineup at left tackle, but maybe it was more of the Bears wanting to see how Benedet does in practice at left tackle and figure out if he should be in the picture.
One other thing is that the Bears are trying to throw people off. Is there a competitive advantage to not knowing who the left tackle will be? Perhaps not, but different linemen play in different ways, so it's a possibility.
The Bears have not seemed too concerned with it as they know they have time to figure it out. They won't rush into making a decision because this is the most important position on the offense outside of the quarterback. Whoever wins the job is responsible for keeping Caleb Williams up. That's something not to take lightly.
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Reports will continue to come in at left tackle, but nothing will be decided until the end of camp.