Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson addresses Joe Thuney frustration as offensive line questions persist

The Chicago Bears have high expectations after going 11-6 and winning the NFC North in 2025. With a year of experience in the new offensive system, many expect that Caleb Williams and others will take a step forward.

However, there are also some questions regarding how prepared the offense will be to start the 2026. Among these are concerns regarding the offensive line. At this point, the Bears do not know who will be starting at left tackle when Week One rolls around.

And Joe Thuney would like an answer.

Ozzy Tapilo recently returned to practice ahead of schedule, but has not participated in any 11-on-11 drills. What is more, Braxton Jones has not exactly given much reason for hope that he will hold down the position well enough until Trapilo comes back.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson addresses Joe Thuney and his frustration with lack of LT clarity

When speaking to reporters about the left tackle situation on Wednesday, head coach Ben Johnson admitted that Thuney has every right to be irritated. However, he also said that his All-Pro offensive guard is handling the uncertainty with grace.

“I think Joe would like some clarity on who he can build a rapport with. It’s been a little bit of a revolving door,” Johnson said, via Pro Football Talk. “He’s a pro’s pro and he’s willing to do everything, but you want five guys playing as one.

“We’ll go as long as we need to to figure out who those five are, but at the same time, the sooner we can make that decision, the sooner they can gel as a unit as well. Last year it took us until the bye week before we started clicking as an offensive line and the run game came alive the way we wanted.”

Tapilo, as mentioned, is ahead of schedule in his recovery. It is possible that he could suit up in Week One, but the team needs to see how he responds to padded practices first.

In the meantime, fans and Thuney will have to be patient.

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