CHI Braxton Jones
NFL player. Position: OL (LT). Team: CHI (Chicago Bears).
Quick Facts
- Position: OL (Left Tackle)
- Team: CHI (Chicago Bears)
- Bye week (2026): 10
2026 Outlook
Braxton Jones was a bright spot on the Bears' offensive line over his first three seasons but became their weakest link in 2025 after struggling to bounce back from a fractured fibula in late 2024. Starting only four games in 2025, Jones is competing for the left tackle job heading into 2026. There's optimism for his return, as most players bounce back to their prior level after a fibula fracture with another offseason removed from injury. Chicago brought him back on a competing contract alongside former first-round pick Jedrick Wills and Theo Benedet, not handing Jones the starting role. However, Jones was notably more confident about the injury at minicamp, suggesting he could reclaim the starting left tackle job (per Chicago Bears Roster Ranking). Jones suffered a minor injury during Aug 6 training camp practice but passed further testing and is expected to miss day-to-week time, not anything serious. He remains the favorite for the starting left tackle role come Week 1 (per Bears' Braxton Jones, Montez Sweat Expected to Miss Time But Avoided Serious Injuries).
Role / Depth Chart
Left tackle position is in flux; competing for starting job against Jedrick Wills Jr. and others. Started 3 seasons early in career but limited to 4 starts in 2025 due to injury. After Ozzy Trapilo tore his patellar tendon in the wild-card playoffs, Jones re-signed on a one-year deal to compete for the starting left tackle job, where he's listed as the favorite (per 10 Bears returning from injury heading into training camp).
Injury Status
Recovering from fractured fibula suffered late in 2024. Expected to be available for 2026 season. Confidence reported at minicamp. During August 6 training camp practice, Jones exited early with apparent injury during one-on-one drills; initial assessment is he dodged a significant injury, but further testing planned (per Bears Suffer Setback as $10 Million Starter Exits With Apparent Injury).
Recent News
- 2026-08-09 — Bears' Braxton Jones, Montez Sweat Expected to Miss Time But Avoided Serious Injuries (Bears' Braxton Jones, Montez Sweat Expected to Miss Time But Avoided Serious Injuries)
- 2026-07-26 — 10 Bears returning from injury heading into training camp (10 Bears returning from injury heading into training camp)
- 2026-07-19 — Chicago Bears offensive line update: Braxton Jones competing in left tackle depth chart battle (Chicago Bears Roster Ranking)
Open Questions
- Will Jones reclaim the starting left tackle job or remain in a committee role?
- Has the fibula injury fully healed, or will it continue to limit his performance?