The Chicago Bears placed left tackle Braxton Jones on injured reserve Saturday, according to the Chicago Tribune’s Sean Hammond. Jones is ruled out for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Theo Benedet is projected to start at left tackle in his place, per Yahoo Sports.
He’s been a fixture at left tackle for Chicago when healthy, but durability has been a recurring issue, with Jones missing extended time in both 2023 and 2025, per Yahoo Sports.
What the team and sources said
The Bears announced the move Saturday without specifying a return timeline.
Who replaces him: Theo Benedet steps in
Theo Benedet is projected to start at left tackle Sunday after filling in for Jones during portions of each of Chicago’s first three games this season, per Yahoo Sports. Ozzy Trapilo also started several games at tackle in place of Jones last season and remains on the roster as a depth option.
Season context up front
Jones’ absence adds another variable to a Bears offense already dealing with uncertainty at quarterback. Caleb Williams has been ruled out for Sunday, and Tyson Bagent is expected to start under center, according to the Chicago Tribune, after Case Keenum threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Eagles the previous week.
The line in front of whoever starts at quarterback has carried plenty of the offensive workload already this season. Chicago entered Week 4 with the NFL‘s top-ranked rushing attack, with D’Andre Swift ranked seventh in the league in rushing yards and Kyle Monangai averaging 5.9 yards per carry, per Yahoo Sports. Keeping that push up front intact matters even more with a backup quarterback under center.
What’s next
The Bears host the Jets on Sunday at Soldier Field in a Week 4 matchup that marks the first meeting between head coaches Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, who previously worked together in Detroit, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Reporting from Yahoo Sports and Chicagotribune contributed to this story.
