Chicago Bears starting left tackle Braxton Jones was forced to exit Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions after suffering an ankle injury in the first half. The injury occurred in the second quarter as Jones was engaged in a blocking assignment. He appeared to roll his ankle awkwardly while attempting to slow down Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson on a pass rush. The Bears’ medical staff immediately tended to Jones on the sideline, and after a few minutes, he was helped onto a cart and taken to the locker room for further evaluation.
The loss of Jones is a significant blow to an already struggling Bears offensive line. Jones, a second-year player out of Southern Utah, had solidified himself as the team’s left tackle during his rookie season, showing promise as a reliable protector of quarterback Justin Fields’ blindside. While his performance has been a bright spot for a unit that has faced constant turnover and struggles with consistency, Jones’ injury puts added pressure on an already thin offensive line.
The Bears have been battling injuries across their offensive line throughout the season, with multiple players rotating in and out of the starting lineup. With Jones now sidelined, the team may need to rely on backup options, which could involve shifting other linemen around. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive line coach Chris Morgan will likely have to make quick decisions on how to adjust the line to accommodate the loss of their starting left tackle.
Following Jones’ exit, veteran left guard Teven Jenkins could be asked to step in and take over at left tackle, a position he has played in the past. Jenkins, who has been a stabilizing force in the interior of the line, would be moving to an unfamiliar spot, which may require additional adjustments in terms of chemistry and protection schemes. The Bears could also explore the possibility of shifting other players like Larry Borom or even rookie Darnell Wright, depending on their comfort levels and proficiency with tackle duties.
While there has been no official word on the severity of Jones’ injury, the team will likely conduct further tests, including X-rays or an MRI, to determine the extent of the damage and the projected recovery time. If Jones is forced to miss significant time, it could hinder the Bears’ offensive performance, especially in the run game, where Fields and running back Khalil Herbert rely on solid blocking from the front five.
The Bears’ offensive line issues have already been well-documented this season. The group has struggled to maintain consistency in pass protection, particularly in providing a clean pocket for Fields, who has been sacked at a high rate. Without Jones, that pressure could increase, making it even more difficult for the Bears’ offense to find any rhythm.
The coming days will be crucial for the Bears as they await further updates on Jones’ status. In the meantime, Chicago will need to adjust quickly if they hope to mitigate the impact of this injury and continue to compete in the highly competitive NFC North.
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