The Chicago Bears didn’t just lose to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. They also likely lost their left tackle for the rest of the season. Braxton Jones had already battled back from a concussion this week to play. Sadly, his misfortune took a drastic nosedive when he appeared to suffer a nasty lower leg injury that forced him to get carted off. The initial diagnosis was an ankle injury of some kind. That would end his year but would allow him enough recovery time to be ready for 2025.
That projection now could be in danger. David J. Chao, a former NFL doctor, is renowned for his accurate injury assessments, which are based on video available each week. After reviewing the Jones footage, he came away with a far bleaker view. There is a chance the tackle ruptured the patella tendon in his left knee. If true, it could take 9-12 months for Jones to resume playing.
If this is true for Braxton Jones, it drastically alters the Bears’ plans.
Presuming he’d been healthy, there was a reasonable chance he would remain the starting left tackle next year as the team focused on revamping the entire interior of their offensive line. That plan is right out the window if Braxton Jones is out for possibly the next year. GM Ryan Poles, or whoever replaces him, must prioritize finding a replacement. Kiran Amegadjie is far from ready. Larry Borom will be a free agent. Whether it’s via free agency or the draft, the Bears cannot leave a void on Caleb Williams’ blind side going into a crucial second season. The timing couldn’t be worse. Initial projections suggest this incoming 2025 draft class isn’t strong at tackle, which means Chicago almost has no choice but to take one in the 1st round unless they find somebody capable on the veteran market. Just a brutal outcome for all parties.
Arnie, I have long mentioned that the talent disparity from the bottom group of players in this league to the very top is not that life altering. So what is the difference between the top teams and the bottom teams in the NFL? As you state, and I’ve also stated it’s all about coaching and development. The three things that truly matter in this league are 1) system and scheme Is your system & scheme adapted to the strengths of the players that are playing in it , while trying to hide some of their deficiencies? 2 ) coaching and… Read more »
Try coaching. I count 4 teams with rookie starting centers when there were only 2 in the draft. That means at least 2 were coached out of desperation. Every position of injury needs back-up players to step up. (Which is why past three years of coaching was wasted.)
Mike McCarthy is known to be a pretty good coach. But he has lost games.
Dallas has struggled so maybe Mike McCarthy is not a good coach, LOL.
So Shanahan lost again. Should he be fired? If it’s all due to coaching as some of you azzhats say then I would ask why isn’t Shanahan fired so duh Bears can hire him doh!
LOL, No need to give draft picks for a fired coach.
The late great FSU college coach said, there’s 2 kinds of coaches:
“Coaches who’ve been fired. And coaches who ain’t been fired yet”
NEVER MIND the talent level of the players, we’re not allowed to debate that I guess.
Definitely not in Chicago. Never mind free speech.
Alt was long gone by #9, and your other preference at tackle ironically also got carted off the field today, which really didn’t hurt the Jets because he’s been very bad so far. Fashanu is bottom half to bottom third among tackles in every meaningful stat, while playing with a QB who still gets rid of the ball faster than most QB’s. And as far as Jones being a 5th round pick, Green Bays LT was drafted by them in the 7th round, and they seem to be doing just fine. It’s almost like system and coaching matter or something,… Read more »