The Chicago Bears have been battling injuries throughout the season, where it’s been a next-man-up mentality for Ben Johnson’s team. During last Sunday’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago had several players step up for injured starters, including rookie Ozzy Trapilo.
Trapilo made his first NFL start at left tackle in place of the injured Theo Benedet, and the result was better than adequate; it was quite promising for the future. Trapilo allowed just one pressure against a top Steelers pass rush. The Bears selected Trapilo with the 56th overall pick to potentially serve as their left tackle of the future. But after a lengthy four-man race at left tackle this summer, he lost out to Braxton Jones and Benedet.
But with Benedet sidelined with a quad injury, it allowed Trapilo a chance to step in after watching from the sidelines — while occasionally serving as an extra blocker. And head coach Ben Johnson was quite pleased with what he saw from his young tackle.
“Consistency,” Johnson said. “He didn’t miss a beat there. Communication was really good between him and Joe (Thuney). I think he did a nice job whenever he had help on his side of being slow to drag out and so he was helping out, being firm to the inside while allowing the guys outside of him to do their jobs. And so, just the full understanding of the game plan and what we’re trying to get done and it’s a great start for him to build on.”
With a short week ahead against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, you have to wonder if the Bears opt to roll with Trapilo once again at left tackle. Or, even if Benedet is back healthy, could Chicago elect to ride with the hot hand at left tackle.
Chicago used a premium draft selection at a premium position, and following a promising start, they owe it to themselves to see if Trapilo can be the long-term answer.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson evaluates rookie Ozzy Trapilo after first start
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
