Chicago Bears starting left tackle Braxton Jones exited the field with a knee injury during the third quarter of Monday night’s Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 28, 2026.
Jones sustained the injury with 10:21 remaining in the third quarter. His right leg appeared to buckle under a bull rush by Eagles pass rusher Jonathan Greenard on a third-down incompletion. Medical personnel evaluated Jones on the field after he went back down to the turf, visibly emotional. He eventually walked off under his own power to the blue medical tent before heading into the locker room for further testing.
Game Impact and Offensive Line Adjustments
Following his departure, the Bears initially listed Jones as questionable to return before quickly downgrading him to doubtful. Third-year offensive lineman Theo Benedet stepped in to fill the left tackle position for the remainder of the contest. Benedet had previously rotated with Jones over the first couple of games of the 2026 NFL season to keep the starter fresh.
The team was cautious with depth options on game day, leaving Ozzy Trapilo inactive as he works his way back from a patellar tendon tear. Trapilo suffered the injury during the Bears’ playoff win against the Green Bay Packers in January. He had recently returned to full practices but remained a healthy scratch against Philadelphia.
Braxton Jones’ 2026 Season Performance
Jones re-signed with Chicago on a one-year deal during the offseason. He won a training camp battle against competition like Benedet, Jedrick Wills, and Kiran Amegadjie to reclaim the starting left tackle job.
Through the opening weeks of the 2026 season, Jones provided steady protection for the Chicago offense. Pro Football Focus credited him with solid grades-71.2 in pass-blocking and 62.5 in run-blocking. He surrendered zero sacks and just two pressures prior to his Week 3 exit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Braxton Jones suffer his knee injury?
Braxton Jones suffered the injury with 10:21 remaining in the third quarter of the Bears’ Week 3 game against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 28, 2026.
How did the injury happen?
Jones’ right leg appeared to buckle underneath him while absorbing a strong bull rush from Eagles pass rusher Jonathan Greenard during a third-down incompletion.
Who replaced Braxton Jones at left tackle?
Third-year offensive lineman Theo Benedet replaced Jones in the lineup after the injury occurred.
What was Jones’ initial injury designation?
Medical staff initially listed Jones as questionable to return before the team downgraded his status to doubtful as he headed to the locker room for further evaluation.
