Ben Johnson reiterates what the plan is at left tackle during OTAs and how that plan will adjust once we get to training camp
The Chicago Bears biggest battle on the roster going into the 2025 season is easily at the left tackle position with three players looking to earn the starting job, but it's not as simple as that right now.The reason why is because head coach Ben Johnson noted multiple times now that players aren't fighting for […]
The Chicago Bears biggest battle on the roster going into the 2025 season is easily at the left tackle position with three players looking to earn the starting job, but it's not as simple as that right now.
The reason why is because head coach Ben Johnson noted multiple times now that players aren't fighting for spots during organized team activities. So, who's taking what reps during this period of the offseason is irrelevant and non-story for the time being.
At left tackle, specifically, that makes even more sense considering the returning starter, Braxton Jones, will be out well into the summer after suffering a broken ankle late in the 2024 season.
As a result, the split during OTAs has been between Kiran Amegadjie and second-round rookie Ozzy Trapilo. Last week during the open practice, Amegadjie took first-team reps with media in attendance. On Wednesday, it was Trapilo taking first looks.
"We're moving guys around," Johnson said. "We want to give everyone an opportunity. Darnell [Wright], we feel pretty comfortable keeping him at the right side right now. So, the left side, until we get Braxton back in the mix, is going to be a little bit of musical chairs."
Simply put, don't get caught up who's taking what snaps. For some reason that still needs to be reiterated again this week.
Both Amegadjie and Trapilo are getting looks with the first-team playing next to Joe Thuney and protecting Caleb Williams' blindside. Once we get to training camp and Jones is cleared to practice, those two along with Jones will actually be evaluated more closely to determine who will be the starter.
The other key takeaway there is more confirmation that Wright will stay on the right side for the time being, a position he's played since arriving to Chicago in 2023. Johnson did leave the possibility open of moving Wright to the left side if need be.
"To be determined, anything is on the table," Johnson added. "We're going to let the plan play out. Which is keep him [at right tackle] for the time being and let these guys battle it out on the left side. We can decide to change course whenever we need to."
That is, and always has been, the best plan for both positions. No need to change anything up with the right tackle spot and create a headache at two positions. Just let the best man win at left tackle, something that ultimately won't be decided till camp.
Another thing to note, Trapilo played every snap with the first-team this week and held his own according to Clay Harbor. That's encouraging news for the rookie, but again nothing that holds much weight with everything up in the air still.
In the meantime, it's all a waste of time to ask about who's playing where. That's not something the coaches are focused on right now and the media shouldn't be either.
Bears HC Ben Johnson has already thrown cold water on the overreactions popping up about key positional battle during OTAs
Let’s stop making a big deal over things in OTAs.
