The Chicago Bears will not have starting right tackle Darnell Wright for their Week 4 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Wright injured his elbow in the Week 3 victory over the Cowboys, and that has prevented the former top-10 pick from practicing all week.
Likely starting in Wright's place is former 2024 undrafted free agent Theo Benedet. The 6-foot-7, 305-pound offensive tackle has played 27 offensive snaps this season and filled in for Wright when he initially injured his elbow against the Cowboys.
What Benedet had to say before his potential first career start in the NFL
Benedet spoke to reporters at Halas Hall during the open locker room period, and was asked about potentially making his first career NFL start.
“I’m really excited,” Benedet said on Friday. “Obviously me and Ozzy (Trapilo) have both been getting prepared for that chance. I’m ready. The last few weeks have given me a whole lot of confidence, too. Just fired up. It’s a great stadium, a great challenge with their D-line. Excited.”
Benedet did mention 2025 second-round draft pick Ozzy Trapilo, but the Bears’ rookie has been a healthy scratch the past two weeks while Benedet has been active on game days.
For Benedet, he earned himself some first-team reps at left tackle during training camp, which proves the coaching staff likes what they have seen from the second-year player. And Benedet is confident not only in himself, but the work that has been put in practice throughout the week.
One of the main matchups to watch throughout the course of the game on Sunday is whoever is tasked with trying to block Maxx Crosby, who has two sacks and four quarterback hits this season.
At some point, Benedet will have to try to prevent Crosby from getting after quarterback Caleb Williams.
“I think their effort level is super-high, Maxx in particular,” Benedet said. “It’s just being switched on all the time, not letting him kinda lull you into sleep or feeling comfortable because that’s when he’ll hit a counter or something you haven’t seen and make you pay. Just staying switched on and understanding that all those guys can hurt you.”
Benedet has the right idea with not overlooking anyone on the Raiders’ defense. An important detail to note is that we won't be alone when it comes to pass protection. Head coach Ben Johnson will likely utilize heavy personnel sets to help Benedet and the rest of the offensive line block Crosby.
If Benedet does end up starting, it's going to truly test everything he has learned up to this point in his young NFL career, but starting has been something he has been working towards for a long time.
Read more: Caleb Williams' stellar TD pass to Rome Odunze in Cowboys game showed growth
“That was the plan all along,” Benedet said. “That was what I had my eyes fixed on. But I’m not done. This is just the beginning for me. I wanted to get to the point where I would have this opportunity to prove myself.”