Entering training camp, the Chicago Bears had an issue that needed to be resolved before the end of camp: left tackle.
Last year's starter at left tackle, Ozzy Trapilo, will not start the season after suffering an rupturing his patellar tendon in the playoff win over the Green Bay Packers. That leaves the Bears needing to decide between Braxton Jones, Kiran Amegadjie, and Jedrick Wills Jr.
Throughout the first week of camp, it has been pretty close between Jones and Amegadjie in getting most of the first-team reps. Chicago's latest practice, though, might be showing where the job is trending.
Bears might be leaning towards Braxton Jones for the starting LT job
ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin shared her observations from the team's latest practice. Cronin has noticed that the team is moving in a certain direction at left tackle.
"For a third straight day, Braxton Jones took his reps as the first-team left tackle."
Jones was always the favorite to win the left tackle job after starting the 2025 season as the starter. It took four weeks for him to lose his job to Theo Benedet, and he never got it back.
Last year was a struggle for Jones on the field, allowing 15 pressures, two quarterback hits, and two sacks in 136 pass-blocking snaps. Pro Football Focus gave him a 55.5 overall grade, a pass-blocking grade of 62.7, and a run-blocking grade of 47.2.
This offseason has been a different narrative about Jones, though. There seems to be a lot more buzz around him with the work he put in with former NFL offensive lineman Terron Armstead. Even Bears head coach Ben Johnson expressed confidence in Jones that he can get the job done.
Amegadjie has been the wild card of the three competing for the job, since many considered him a bust and a potential cut candidate in training camp. He's been getting more first-team reps than Wills has had.
It feels as though Wills is becoming less of a competitor in the battle and more just fighting to get on the roster. His 57 starts in the NFL should give him an advantage in the competition, but being two years removed from last playing on the field is really hurting his chances of winning the job.
Read more: Caleb Williams' latest camp triumph should give Bears goosebumps
Jones is trending to be the starting left tackle when the season starts, so while it might be premature to crown him the winner, Bears fans know which direction this job is heading.
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