Ozzy Trapilo was making progress with each passing week before his season-ending injury against the Green Bay Packers in the Chicago Bears’ win on wild-card weekend, which is why it hurts knowing that he won’t play in the team’s NFC Divisional Round game agaimst the Los Angeles Rams.
The rookie second-round pick made six starts at left tackle in the regular season before making his playoff debut last week. In his 567 regular-season snaps, Pro Football Focus had Ozzy Trapilo earning a 72.5 overall grade. That number put him 34th among the 89 offensive tackles who played enough snaps to qualify for the leaderboard. And for what it’s worth, he played well before suffering what Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson said was a patellar tendon injury.
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Ozzy Trapilo’s 75.9 PFF grade on the 76 offensive snaps he played in the wild-card Saturday showdown between the Bears and Packers put as the fourth-highest-graded player on Chicago’s offense in that game. Only tight end Colston Loveland (90.5), quarterback Caleb Williams (77.3), and running back D’Andre Swift (76.3) earned higher marks. Plus, Trapilo’s 85.9 run-blocking grade in that contest was a season-best. Things were trading in the right direction for Trapilo before the injury. But now, the Bears need to find his replacement in the starting lineup.
Ozzy Trapilo celebrates with Cole Kmet. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesInjury to Rookie Ozzy Trapilo Opens the Door For New Starter on the Bears Offensive Line
The obvious choice to replace Ozzy Trapilo in the starting at left tackle is Theo Benedet. A second-year player who was undrafted last year, Benedet has gone from being a fun training camp story to a contributor along the offensive line. The Toronto-born Benedet played in 16 of 17 games this season and even made eight starts. Benedet finished his first season as a regular contributor with a 57.1 grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 73rd among 89 qualifying offensive tackles. That’s not great. Neither was his 54.9 pass-blocking grade, which checked in at 75th of 89 offensive tackles. However, Benedet’s run-blocking grade (65.7, 45th of 89 tackles) was respectable.
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All things considered, Theo Benedet might be the best option the Bears have to replace Ozzy Trapilo. He has starting experience and played well in spurts. Sure, the pass protection could use some work. And there is some inconsistency in his game, which is to be expected from a young player. However, I feel as if the team is comfortable enough with Benedet to move forward as the starter. If not, the team could turn to Braxton Jones.
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The team’s starter at left tackle in Week 1, Jones hasn’t played in a game since the team’s Week 7 win against the New Orleans Saints. More pertinent to our discussion about starting left tackle options is the fact that Jones hasn’t played an offensive snap since Week 4. Jones has been on injured reserve since late October because of a knee injury. For what it’s worth, Braxton Jones has been a full participant in the five practice sessions since being designated to return from IR. And while I expect for him to be available in a pinch, my gut feeling has Benedet getting the starting nod.
Braxton Jones celebrates a Roschon Johnson touchdown vs. the Packers in 2024. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn ImagesIn the end, I expect this team to send all sorts of help to whichever player starts in place of Ozzy Trapilo at left tackle. Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson should pull out all the stops in order to keep quarterback Caleb Williams upright. For me, that means chipping with running backs and tight ends, lining up with jumbo formations, and even putting right tackle Darnell Wright on the left side in a pinch. Preparation for a playoff game means all hands are on deck. So if you are an able-bodied offensive lineman on the roster, prepare for your number to be called at some point on Sunday.
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