REVEALED: Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles Has Named The Official Time To Select LT Starter For The Club — Decision Coming September Against Minnesota
Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles has officially revealed that the team will decide on its starting left tackle (LT) in September, just before their regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. The announcement ends weeks of speculation surrounding the timeline for naming the cornerstone of the offensive line.
Speaking to reporters during training camp, Poles confirmed that the coaching staff will continue evaluating the left tackle candidates throughout the preseason before making a final call in the days leading up to Week 1.
“We want to make the best decision possible,” Poles stated. “We’ll use the joint practices, the preseason games, and the full training camp schedule to determine who deserves that starting role.”
The left tackle battle features a tight competition between Braxton Jones, Kiran Amegadjie, and rookie Ozzy Trapilo. Jones, who started last season, is the most experienced of the three. Amegadjie is returning from injury and has impressed with his physical tools, while Trapilo, a 2025 draft pick, has drawn attention with his steady development.
The left tackle is a crucial position, responsible for protecting quarterback Caleb Williams’ blind side. With a franchise quarterback now under center, solidifying the offensive line is a top priority for the Bears.
The Week 1 matchup against division rival Minnesota adds further urgency to the decision. Fans will have to wait until early September to learn who will be tasked with anchoring the left side of the Bears’ offensive front.