Bears facing major Caleb Williams concern just weeks before season opener
Bears facing major Caleb Williams concern just weeks before season opener originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Chicago Bears have Caleb Williams entrenched as their franchise quarterback. What they don’t have is a definitive answer for who will protect his blind side when the regular season begins.
With only 19 days remaining before Chicago opens its season on the road against the Carolina Panthers, the competition at left tackle remains unsettled.
Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, Kiran Amegadjie and Jedrick Wills Jr. are still battling for the starting position, extending a competition that began when training camp opened July 29.
After 17 practices, coach Ben Johnson isn’t ready to declare a winner.
“It’s a hot spot for us,” Johnson said. “I don’t know that we are 100% sold on who that guy is going to be for Carolina yet. We’re going to still work through it.”
Jones has spent much of camp viewed as the favorite despite an injury that sidelined him for more than a week. His absence created additional opportunities for Chicago to evaluate Amegadjie and Wills with the first-team offensive line.
The Bears also rotated candidates during their preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns, but apparently nobody has done enough to end the competition.
That makes Chicago’s remaining practices increasingly important.
Bears running out of time to fix major issue
Johnson pointed toward Tuesday’s practice, Thursday’s joint session with the Tennessee Titans and Saturday’s preseason game as significant evaluation opportunities.
For the Bears, finding the correct answer carries added importance because of the investment they’ve made in Williams and Johnson’s offense.
Chicago wants its young quarterback operating comfortably from the pocket, and instability at left tackle could complicate everything from deeper passing concepts to Williams’ ability to work through progressions.
Jones offers experience within Chicago’s system, while Amegadjie remains a developmental option with upside. Wills, a former first-round selection, gives the Bears another experienced candidate, and Benedet continues attempting to force his way into the conversation.
Competition was expected.
Uncertainty this late in August wasn’t necessarily the plan.
The Bears still have time to make their decision, but the calendar is shrinking quickly.
By the time Chicago arrives in Carolina, Johnson needs one of his four candidates to separate himself.
For now, one of the Bears’ most important starting jobs remains completely up for grabs.
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