Bears T Ozzy Trapilo Expected To Miss Time In 2026

Ozzy Trapilo was a key figure on the Bears’ offensive line during his rookie season. His second NFL campaign is likely to be delayed, though.

Trapilo suffered a torn patellar tendon during Chicago’s wild-card victory. The injury ended his rookie year and set up a lengthy recovery period. Surgery took place shortly after the Bears were eliminated during the divisional round, general manager Ryan Poles said (via Scott Bair of the Marquee Sports Network).

Trapilo’s attention will be focused on the rehab process for several months. Poles confirmed (via Bair) the second-round pick will be sidelined well into 2026. Missed time at the beginning of next season can be expected as a result. Not having Trapilo available for any notable stretch will leave the Bears thin at offensive tackle.

Chicago made a number of necessary moves aimed at providing upgrades up front last offseason. Guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson were acquired via trade before center Drew Dalman was signed in free agency. That trio, along with incumbent right tackle Darnell Wright, helped stabilize the Bears’ O-line. The left tackle spot remained a question mark well into the season, however. Trapilo wound up making six starts during the regular season, while former UDFA Theo Benedet started eight times and logged a similar overall snap share.

Braxton Jones was sidelined for an extended period due to a knee injury. He was activated from injured reserve in time for Chicago’s divisional round matchup but did not play. Jones, a pending free agent, was benched by new head coach Ben Johnson shortly before suffering his injury. A departure would come as no surprise, but coupled with Trapilo’s recovery timeline it would – at least temporarily – leave Chicago short on LT options.

Trapilo, 24, saw limited action at right tackle (a familiar position dating back to his time at Boston College). The majority of his play came on the blindside, though, and he delivered an encouraging performance in terms of PFF evaluation (31st among qualifying tackles). A full-time spot in the starting lineup could be available upon returning to full health, but the time at which that will be the case will be worth monitoring.