The Bears' tackle situation entered a new phase when they started looking at Theo Benedet more playing the left side and put Kiran Amegadjie to the right side for practices.
It seems like a rather late point to be experimenting but last year's left tackle battle, when Ozzy Trapilo was a rookie, included a move of Benedet to the left side late as they needed to see something. This is a move done entirely with the backup situation in mind for the season. They're not planning to start Benedet. Braxton Jones is practicing with starters and Trapilo is waiting in the wings, working toward a time when his leg is strong enough so he can actually practice again. He isn't really practicing right now and is only doing pre-practice stretching and individual skills work.
What the Bears really need to see is if Benedet has improved enough since his second season as a pass blocker on the left side to trust him as a backup. Last year they wouldn't start him in the playoff game against the Rams after Trapilo's knee injury and moved Joe Thuney to block Jared Verse. Next several days are big for #Bears OL Theo Benedet as he'll get thorough work at left tackle. Ben Johnson on the Canadian Eagle. pic.twitter.com/Sd4E82rd4x— Aldo Gandia (@BearsBarroomHQ) August 20, 2026Why Benedet rates a strong chanceThey could keep either Jedrick Wills Jr. or Kiran Amegadjie now, but Benedet's speed and athletic ability is greater and he can be a great asset if his fundamentals have improved enough to think he is a better option.
