Bears LT Braxton Jones shares promising update in his recovery process but it doesn’t make his future in Chicago any less murky
Bears LT Braxton Jones Shares Promising Update in His Recovery Process, But It Doesn’t Make His Future in Chicago Any Less Murky
When Braxton Jones was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, few expected the former Southern Utah standout to play a prominent role in the team’s rebuilding process so quickly. As a raw but promising rookie, Jones was thrust into the starting left tackle position early in his career, facing the difficult challenge of protecting the blindside of a young quarterback in Justin Fields. Over the course of his first season, Jones showed flashes of potential but also struggled with consistency, a reality that most rookie offensive linemen experience.
Fast forward to the present day, and while Jones’ recovery from an injury has provided some optimism for Bears fans, his future with the team remains uncertain. Although Jones’ efforts on the field have drawn praise from coaches, his long-term role with the Bears, especially in light of his injury and subsequent recovery, is still a topic of debate within the organization.
In this article, we’ll examine the details of Braxton Jones’ injury, his recovery, and the broader implications of his future with the Chicago Bears. Despite the promising update on his recovery process, Jones’ long-term status with the Bears remains murky, with various factors influencing his future in Chicago. Let’s dive into the complexities surrounding his situation and explore the possibility of his future with the team.
The Early Days: Promise and Challenges
Braxton Jones entered the NFL with high expectations given the Bears’ needs along the offensive line. As a rookie in 2022, Jones started 17 games at left tackle, a significant responsibility for any first-year player, particularly one from a smaller program like Southern Utah. While it was clear that Jones had the physical tools to succeed—standing at 6’5” and weighing 310 pounds with impressive athleticism—he also displayed the typical challenges that come with playing on the blindside in the NFL.
There were moments of promise: his agility, ability to get out in space, and general tenacity in blocking schemes were evident. However, Jones also faced growing pains, such as struggling against more refined and experienced pass rushers, especially when facing elite competition. His pass protection was inconsistent, and there were moments when he looked overwhelmed by the speed and power of opposing defensive linemen. This is typical for many rookies, but in Chicago, where the team had significant investment in their young quarterback, it placed added pressure on Jones.
But the Bears remained patient. Jones’ talent was undeniable, and while his performance was uneven, there were glimpses of what he could become. Despite the struggles, he showed heart and resilience, impressing coaches with his willingness to learn and his work ethic.
The Injury: A Setback in Year 2
After a somewhat uneven first season, Jones was set to build on his rookie experience in his second year. Unfortunately, his journey took an unexpected turn when he suffered an injury that placed his 2023 season in jeopardy. While the specifics of the injury were initially unclear, it was later revealed that Jones had suffered a significant shoulder injury that required surgery. The injury was severe enough to sideline him for an extended period, and questions began to arise about whether Jones would be able to return to the level of play the Bears expected from him.
The timing of the injury couldn’t have been worse. Jones was poised to enter his second year as the unquestioned starting left tackle for the Bears, a critical position that would serve as the foundation for the offensive line and, by extension, the development of quarterback Justin Fields. The Bears were hoping that, with an offseason of development and experience, Jones would be able to take the next step in his development.
However, with his recovery in the balance, the team was left scrambling to find a suitable replacement at left tackle. During his absence, the Bears explored several options, including moving players like Larry Borom and Teven Jenkins around the offensive line. The uncertainty left the offensive line vulnerable, and it became clear that, despite the need for stability, the Bears could not afford another setback on the blindside.
A Promising Update on His Recovery
Despite the severity of the injury, Braxton Jones has made significant strides in his recovery process. In a recent update, Jones shared that his rehabilitation was progressing well and that he was feeling optimistic about returning to the field. The recovery from shoulder surgery can often be a long and painful process, but Jones has shown impressive commitment to his rehab, working diligently to regain his strength and mobility.
The Bears’ coaching staff has also expressed optimism about Jones’ recovery. Head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive line coach Chris Morgan have both highlighted the work Jones has put in to recover fully. Eberflus specifically mentioned how Jones has demonstrated his resilience in the face of adversity, a trait that many within the organization admire. It’s clear that the Bears see Jones as a key piece of their offensive line future, but his ability to make a complete recovery will ultimately determine his immediate and long-term future with the team.
“I feel good about my recovery,” Jones said in a recent interview. “I’m getting stronger every day, and I’m eager to get back on the field with my teammates. I know there’s a lot of pressure on me, but I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
This promising update has provided some relief for Bears fans who were concerned about Jones’ future. The fact that he is recovering well from surgery means that he is still in the running to regain his spot at left tackle, but it doesn’t necessarily make his future in Chicago any clearer. Several factors, both on and off the field, will ultimately shape whether Jones remains a fixture of the Bears’ offensive line for the long term.
The Murky Future: Questions Surrounding Jones’ Role
While Jones’ recovery is certainly encouraging, his future in Chicago remains uncertain. There are several factors that complicate his long-term status with the Bears. These factors revolve around competition, contract status, and the team’s overall direction in terms of offensive line development.
- Competition at Left Tackle
The most immediate factor influencing Jones’ future with the Bears is the competition at left tackle. Although Jones has made significant progress in his recovery, the Bears are unlikely to hand him the starting role again without ensuring that he has earned it. The team has invested in improving the offensive line, adding depth with free-agent acquisitions and continuing to develop young talent. Players like Larry Borom and Teven Jenkins are both capable of playing tackle, and their development could force the Bears to reconsider Jones’ role on the line.
The Bears could also look to the NFL Draft for future upgrades. The 2024 draft is expected to feature a number of talented offensive line prospects, and if Chicago were to draft a left tackle or a player capable of competing for the starting job, it could further cloud Jones’ future with the team.
- Contract Status and Financial Implications
Jones is currently under his rookie contract, which means he will remain with the Bears at a relatively low cost for a few more years. However, if Jones proves that he can’t stay healthy or isn’t progressing as hoped, the Bears may explore other options when his contract expires. While the financial implications of moving on from Jones are not particularly severe—due to his rookie contract—Chicago may feel the need to upgrade the position if he isn’t able to solidify his spot as a reliable left tackle.
Additionally, the Bears are in the midst of a rebuilding process, and their decisions regarding players like Jones may be influenced by the team’s overall direction and roster management. With a focus on building a competitive roster around Justin Fields, the Bears may ultimately choose to prioritize other positions or make a change at left tackle if Jones doesn’t meet expectations.
- The Bears’ Offensive Line Philosophy
The Bears have been committed to rebuilding their offensive line, recognizing the importance of protecting Justin Fields and giving him time to develop as a passer. However, it’s clear that offensive line play remains one of the most volatile aspects of team-building. In the past, Chicago has used several different combinations and strategies on the line, with little consistency. If Jones fails to meet expectations, the team could be open to exploring new options, including experimenting with different lineups to find the right balance.
- Long-Term Development
Even with the challenges and uncertainty surrounding Jones’ future in Chicago, there is still potential for him to develop into a long-term solution at left tackle. His raw athleticism and potential are still evident, and the Bears could choose to exercise patience with him if they believe he can make significant strides. However, the pressure to produce and stabilize the offensive line means that Chicago will not wait indefinitely for Jones to figure things out. His recovery and subsequent performance in training camp and preseason games will likely determine his role moving forward.
