Chicago Bears have surprise starter at left tackle to open OTAs

While the Chicago Bears have massively bolstered their offensive line, there is still a major question mark hanging over left tackle. With incumbent Braxton Jones still nursing his ankle injury, the battle to earn the starting role is beginning to heat up.

If Jones is healthy, he still seems to be first in line at left tackle. However, injuries have taken a major toll on his recent career. The Bears will continue to play it safe and won’t rush the former fifth-round pick back. But Chicago has more than one option at left tackle. If Jones’ injury progression isn’t to the team’s liking, he could be replaced entering Week 1.

When it comes to potential replacements, many would point to second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo. However, at Wednesday’s OTAs practice, Kiran Amegadjie took reps with the starters while Trapilo stayed with the second unit, via Clay Harbor of the Chicago Sports Network.

Kiran Amegadjie was taking the 1 reps and Ozzy Trapilo taking the 2 reps at LT. Darnell Wright stayed on the right side.

No pads but from what I could tell both looked to have a solid day. #DaBears #Bears

— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) May 21, 2025

Chicago Bears battle for left tackle

Jones has flashed moments of brilliance when healthy. His 77.4 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 20/140 tackles in 2024. Entering his contract year, the Bears at least want to know exactly what they have in Jones. When he makes his return to the offseason program will be crucial for Chicago in terms of determining their starting unit.

It’s important to note that Darnell Wright is remaining on the right side for the time being. There were talks of him moving over to left tackle and having Trapilo start at right; his natural college position. However, Wright has been dominant at right tackle for the past two seasons, and the Bears don’t yet seem ready to alter that strategy.

If Wright stays on the right, and Jones’ injury issues persist, then Amegadjie and Trapilo will battle for left tackle duties, batting a late addition. The fact Trapilo was a second-round pick is why fans and pundits expected him to get the first crack at starting. However, still early in OTAs, Ben Johnson wants to see what he has on the entire squad. He has spent months going over Trapilo’s film while preparing for the draft.

What he hasn’t seen much of is Amegadjie. He played in just six games during his rookie season as quadriceps and calf injuries slowed his debut to a screeching halt. Amegadjie did earn one start, but he allowed a sack and took on three penalties.

Still, he is just 23-years-old and was a third-round pick in 2024; a top 100 selection at that. Clearly, general manager Ryan Poles saw something in him when he turned in his card. Now healthy again, Amegadjie is getting another opportunity at OTAs. With Johnson wiping the slate clean ahead of his debut, Amegadjie will have a fair opportunity to earn a role.

Through OTAs and into training camp, what the Bears do at left tackle will be one of the most intriguing storylines. Jones’ return will only add more drama, as will Trapilo’s development if he lives up to his second-round standing. But don’t forget about Amegadjie when considering Chicago’s new-look offense left. Johnson certainly hasn’t, giving him the first left tackle opportunity at OTAs.