Bears’ Left Tackle Ozzy Trapilo Makes Surprise Return From Serious Knee Injury

The Big News: Trapilo Is Back on the Field

Chicago Bears offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo has made a stunning comeback. Just months after tearing a major tendon in his knee during a playoff game, he was cleared to practice with the team on Sunday. This is a huge surprise—team doctors originally thought he might miss the entire 2026 season.

IMPORTANT POINT
Trapilo was activated off the PUP list (Physically Unable to Perform list). This is a special NFL list for players who are too injured to practice or play at the start of training camp. Coming off this list means doctors believe he is healthy enough to try practicing again.

Why This Matters: The Left Tackle Puzzle

The left tackle position protects the quarterback’s "blind side" (the side he can’t see when throwing). It is one of the most important jobs on the field. The Bears have been searching for a starter all summer. Here is where things stand:

The Contenders

1. Ozzy Trapilo The Veteran

   • Started 6 games at left tackle last year.
   • Looked like the clear starter for 2026 before his playoff injury against the Green Bay Packers.
   • Status: Just returned to practice; readiness for Week 1 is unknown.

2. Braxton Jones The Early Leader

   • Was winning the starting job in early August.
   • Hurt his knee earlier this month.
   • Status: Returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity.
3. Kiran Amegadjie & Jedrick Wills The Backups Fighting for Snaps
   • Split playing time in Saturday’s preseason game vs. the Cleveland Browns.
   • Coach’s Verdict: "Inconsistent" and "not as clean as we’d love it to be." The competition remains wide open.

The Coaches’ Plan: "Better Late Than Early"

Offensive Line Coach Dan Roushar is famous for being careful with injured players. He explained the team’s philosophy simply:

"I’ve said this to him a number of times — I’d rather be a day too late than a day too early putting him on the field."

The Step-by-Step Process for Trapilo:

1. Integrate: Practice in full pads during training camp (started Sunday).
2. Demonstrate: Show in practice drills that he can move, block, and protect like he used to.
3. Evaluate: Coaches watch closely to ensure he isn’t pushing past his "comfort level" or health boundaries.
4. Decide: If he looks ready, he plays. If not, they wait. Week 1 is only four weeks away.

Other Roster Moves: Three Players Waived

While Trapilo returns, the Bears said goodbye to three players who are dealing with their own injuries. The team waived them with an "injury designation" (meaning they are hurt and cannot pass a physical right now):

• CB KC Eziomume (Cornerback)
• WR Kyron Hudson (Wide Receiver)
• S Gervarrius Owens (Safety)

If these players clear waivers (no other team claims them), they will likely revert to the Bears’ "Injured Reserve" list to recover.

Summary: What You Need to Know

• Good News: Ozzy Trapilo (starting-caliber Left Tackle) is practicing again, months ahead of schedule.
• The Catch: He has a serious knee injury history (torn patellar tendon). Coaches will move slowly.
• The Competition: Braxton Jones (injured), Amegadjie, and Wills are also fighting for the spot.
• Timeline: Week 1 is 4 weeks away. Trapilo’s game readiness is a "process," not a guarantee.
• Roster Churn: Three injured players were cut to make room/manage the roster.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. What exactly is a "torn patellar tendon"?

Think of the patellar tendon as a super-strong rope connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shin bone. It lets you straighten your leg and jump. Tearing it is a season-ending injury for almost everyone. Coming back in the same calendar year is very rare.

2. What is the PUP List?

Physically Unable to Perform. It’s like a "pause button" for injured players at the start of camp. They don’t count against the active roster limit, but they can’t practice. Once activated (like Trapilo), they count on the roster and must practice/play.

3. Why is Left Tackle so important?

Most Quarterbacks are right-handed. When they turn to throw, their back is to the left side. They cannot see defenders coming from the left. The Left Tackle’s job is to stop those "blind side" rushers. If they fail, the QB gets crushed.

4. Does Trapilo starting Week 1 guarantee he keeps the job?

No. The coaches said the competition is "open." If Trapilo struggles in practice or looks rusty, or if Braxton Jones gets fully healthy and plays better, the starting job could switch. Performance in August practices decides it.

5. What happens to the three waived players (Eziomume, Hudson, Owens)?

They are now free agents. Other NFL teams have 24 hours to "claim" them (take their contract). Because they are injured, teams rarely claim them. If unclaimed, they usually return to the Bears’ Injured Reserve (IR) list to rehab for the year.