Terron Armstead gives ringing endorsement of Bears LT Braxton Jones

The Chicago Bears will once again hold a competition to determine their starting left tackle with Ozzy Trapilo expected to miss most of the 2026 season after his ruptured patellar tendon last January. And, once again, Braxton Jones is the favorite to win the job. Jones, who was a three-year starter entering the 2025 season, won the left tackle competition last offseason but was ultimately benched just four games into the season as he struggled recovering from a broken fibula the previous season.

Shortly after his benching, Jones landed on injured reserve with a knee injury and missed the remainder of the 2025 season. Now, he's healthy and ready to compete for the starting job. Former New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead trained with Jones this offseason, and he shared some interesting insight -- and one heck of a ringing endorsement -- for the former fifth-round pick and three-year starter.

"I'm excited about Braxton," Armstead said, via Cassie Carlson . "His confidence is growing daily. Super talented, very strong, physical, smart, tough.

All the things. His issue has been durability; it's been injury. And we all have those challenges throughout our career -- I was probably the most injured player ever.