Braxton Jones to Miss Rest of Season After Knee Surgery

Jones, who was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, underwent surgery on his right knee on November 3. The Bears had initially hoped he could rehabilitate the partially torn patellar tendon and return this season, but after more than a month, the team decided to repair it surgically. He will not return this year.

Jones had been playing well in 2026 while filling in for Ozzy Trapilo, who is recovering from a torn patellar tendon. Jones previously missed much of the 2024 season with a broken left ankle and was benched after struggling in his 2025 return.

Theo Benedet could also be hurt. After the Bears’ Week 8 win over the Seattle Seahawks, Benedet reportedly left the locker room with a team staff member and later said he had a separated shoulder. He had been taking most of the snaps at left tackle since Jones was injured, with Trapilo sharing the work.

Trapilo has been gradually increasing his workload after his injury, playing 17 snaps in Week 6 and 19 in Week 7, but none in Week 8. If Benedet is sidelined, Chicago may need to add another tackle, even if Trapilo is ready to take on a full workload.