Bears have an offensive line problem (and Ryan Poles gave an update)

The Chicago Bears have solidified the majority of their offensive line, but they still have one big question lingering into the next season.

What will they do at left tackle? While Ryan Poles had answers to most offensive line questions at the 2026 NFL Combine, he did not have a strong one for what will happen at the most important position.

Poles noted that Jonah Jackson and Darnell Wright will be on the right side of the line and that Joe Thuney will shift back to left guard after sliding into left tackle for an emergency circumstance last season. With Drew Dalhman also returning, four of the five spots are set.

Ryan Poles gives update on left tackle at NFL combine

Ozzy Trapilo suffered a patellar tendon injury. The timing and severity of the injury are going to make it hard for him to play at all next season. Poles essentially confirmed this. However, Poles also mentioned that this will not be career-defining for Trapilo, and they expect him back to his old self when he returns.

This puts the Bears in a delicate position, though. They do not have a starting tackle for Week 1 or the majority of next season. Meanwhile, they do have one for the future, so looking for a draft pick or a long-term starter isn't quite the move.

The Bears may try to start one of Theo Benedet or Kiran Amegadjie, but neither was good enough last season. Braxton Jones is a free agent but will likely look for a new home. The Bears need to find a potential stopgap starter who would start for one year and then move on.

That is tough to do because any tackle for starting will likely either be locked down long-term or require serious commitment. So, the pool the Bears are looking at is not strong. Names like Cam Robinson and Jonah Williams are likely at the top of the list of best stopgap options. Both would enjoy reviving their reputation while giving the Bears one year.

It seems as though no matter what option the Bears take, their left tackle is going to be the biggest position of weakness next year. That is not fun to admit in February.