Bears left tackle spot in jeopardy amid uncertain Ozzy Trapilo future in NFL

The Chicago Bears have a lot of work to do this offseason. Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson will have their work cut out for them, as decisions on both sides of the ball will prove to be challenging.

One of the main issues plaguing the Bears going forward has to do with their left tackle spot. Ozzy Trapilo suffered a ruptured patellar tendon, and the Bears now might need to find a brand-new franchise LT.

Courtney Cronin of ESPN highlights just how difficult this decision will be. With Trapilo's NFL future uncertain, the Bears' LT spot is in jeopardy and might need a complete overhaul despite Trapilo being a good player when healthy.

Bears LT spot in jeopardy amid uncertain Trapilo future

"If the Bears believe Trapilo will eventually come back and continue to progress toward being their long-term option, it might not make sense to use a high draft pick and create a logjam," Cronin writes. "But if this injury raises questions about Trapilo's ability to be the same player, the Bears might have to start over in finding their next franchise left tackle."

While the Bears would surely prefer to have Trapilo come out of this brutal injury okay and be able to factor into the team's plans next year and beyond, there's no guarantee.

A ruptured patellar tendon is very difficult to overcome, and it could force the Bears to completely change course with their left tackle spot heading into the future.

More: Bears' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space going into offseason

But, regardless of whether Trapilo winds up returning to starting left tackle ability, the Bears will need a new left tackle for at least the start of the year.

Poles revealed that Trapilo will be out "deep into next year," leaving the Bears in dire need of a left tackle thanks to this massively unfortunate injury.

The Bears are in a tricky spot, and with an uncertain future, might need to change plans in a major way going forward at left tackle, depending on how Trapilo heals this offseason.

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