The Chicago Bears could have some changes coming after the bye week, which includes a potential new starting left tackle in former undrafted free agent Theo Benedet.
Benedet, who emerged as a surprise contender for the left tackle job this summer, saw limited action in Weeks 2 and 3 against the Detroit Lions (11) and Dallas Cowboys (12) before stepping into a bigger role against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Benedet got the starting nod at right tackle in place of an injured Darnell Wright against the Raiders, and he played all 68 snaps — although not all at right tackle. Left tackle Braxton Jones was benched in the second half against Las Vegas, and Benedet kicked over to left tackle with rookie Ozzy Trapilo filling in at right tackle.
“It’s been a great opportunity, also to play both sides,” Benedet said. “That can be a challenge sometimes, but it also helps me continue to stay prepared and stay comfortable on both sides, because as hard as it is to transition to that [left] side in the first place, if you don’t keep taking reps there, you’ll lose that muscle memory.”
Johnson indicated that the Bears will evaluate the film from the first four games before making a decision at left tackle for Week 6 coming off the bye. But the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs also noted that there’s expected to be a change at left tackle, and it would be Benedet stepping in for Jones.
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Quarterback Caleb Williams had high praise for Benedet, both on and off the field, which is encouraging for the guy stepping in to protect his blindside.
“It’s been fun being around Theo personality-wise,” Williams said. “His personality is great. Awesome human outside of football, and then when you get on the football field, [he’s] always willing to learn. He’s grown tremendously [physically], but also mentally about football. Kudos to him having that mindset of, ‘I’m going to keep growing. I’m not in a position I want to be in and when my opportunity comes, that’s when I’ll shine.'”
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears’ Theo Benedet on challenge of playing both tackle positions