Ben Johnson Breaks Silence: Major Injury Updates on Jones, Sweat
Chicago Bears Training Camp: Two Starters Sidelined, But Coach Says "Don’t Panic!"
What Happened at Saturday’s Practice?
On August 8, 2026, the Chicago Bears held a training camp practice, but two important players were missing from the field:
- Braxton Jones – Offensive Lineman (protects the quarterback)
- Montez Sweat – Defensive Lineman (tries to tackle the other team’s quarterback)
Both players got hurt during Thursday’s practice and sat out Saturday as a precaution.
Quick Timeline
- Thursday: Jones and Sweat get injured
- Saturday: Both miss practice
- Coach’s Update: "Day-to-day, week-to-week" – meaning they could return very soon
Coach Ben Johnson’s Message: "It’s Not Serious"
Head Coach Ben Johnson spoke on the Hoge & Jahns podcast Saturday morning. Here’s what he said in simple terms:
"I don’t think that’s going to be too serious… it’s more of a day-to-day, week-to-week type. Hopefully we’ll get them back sooner rather than later."
Translation for non-football fans: The coach isn’t worried. These are minor bumps and bruises, not season-ending injuries. The team is just being extra careful.
Why This Matters More for Jones Than Sweat
| Player | Position | Starting Spot Status | What This Absence Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montez Sweat | Defensive End | Locked in as starter | Just needs rest. His job is safe. |
| Braxton Jones | Left Tackle | Still competing for the job | Loses valuable practice reps while others get a chance to shine |
The Left Tackle Competition Heats Up
With Jones out, two other players get golden opportunities to prove themselves:
- Jedrick Wills – Veteran tackle brought in to compete
- Kiran Amegadjie – Young player looking to make the team
IMPORTANT POINT
In football, practice reps (repetitions) are like study time before a test. Every practice Jones misses is a chance for Wills and Amegadjie to impress the coaches. This could genuinely change who starts Week 1!
Injury Bug Spreading? Two More Players Leave Early
The injury list grew during Saturday’s practice:
- Luther Burden – Wide Receiver (catches passes)
- Cam Lewis – Defensive Back (covers receivers)
Both left practice early. The team hopes they have the same short recovery timeline as Jones and Sweat.
What "Day-to-Day" Actually Means (ELI5 Explanation)
Medical Status Decoded
- Day-to-day: Could play tomorrow, could need a few days. Evaluated each morning.
- Week-to-week: Might miss a week or two, but not months.
- IR (Injured Reserve): Out for at least 4 games – NOT the case here!
Think of it like a scraped knee: You might sit out recess today and maybe tomorrow, but you’ll be running around again by Friday.
Summary: What You Need to Know
- Two starters missed practice (Jones & Sweat) due to Thursday injuries
- Coach says don’t worry – both are "day-to-day, week-to-week"
- Jones has the most to lose – he’s fighting for his starting job
- Wills & Amegadjie get a chance to steal the left tackle spot
- Two more players (Burden & Lewis) left Saturday’s practice early
- Bottom line: Normal training camp bumps. No panic needed… yet.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Will Braxton Jones or Montez Sweat miss the first regular season game?
Almost certainly not. "Day-to-day" means they’ll likely return to practice within days. The season starts in September – plenty of time.
Who is currently winning the left tackle competition?
We don’t know for sure – that’s why these practice reps matter! Jones was the incumbent, but Wills has NFL experience and Amegadjie has youth/upside. The next 2 weeks will decide it.
Why do teams hold players out for "minor" injuries in August?
Smart risk management. Training camp is for preparation, not games. Risking a minor injury becoming major in a meaningless practice makes zero sense.
Are the Bears unusually injured this year?
Not at all. Every NFL team has 5-10 players limited at any given time in August. It’s part of the sport. The key is whether stars miss games – and right now, that’s not expected.
When is the next update we should watch for?
Monday’s practice (typically the next padded practice after a weekend). If Jones and Sweat return then, it’s truly minor. If not, the "week-to-week" part of the timeline becomes more relevant.
Article based on reporting from CHGO’s Adam Hoge and Adam Jahns via the Hoge & Jahns podcast, August 8, 2026.
