Latest injury update leaves Bears with an obvious Ozzy Trapilo decision
With Theo Benedet not practicing and Braxton Jones on Injured Reserve, it's time the Chicago Bears finally let Ozzy Trapilo take over at left tackle.
Latest news and updates about the Bears
With Theo Benedet not practicing and Braxton Jones on Injured Reserve, it's time the Chicago Bears finally let Ozzy Trapilo take over at left tackle.
Tom Brady believes Caleb Williams is the perfect quarterback for Ben Johnson and explains why the Bears' offense is becoming so difficult to defend.
The Seattle Seahawks suffered a 34-17 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, and guard Grey Zabel takes responsibility for the defeat. Zabel explains that his recent move from left to right guard—prompted by the Seahawks’ acquisition of Quenton Nelson on Oct. 27—was the toughest transition of his career. He credits Bears defensive end Jeffery Simmons, who posted six tackles and a sack, for exploiting Seattle’s line. With Nelson nursing a knee injury and six starters out of practice, Zabel’s role could shift again as Seattle looks to snap its 4-4 start in Week 9 against the Cardinals.
Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons makes an instant impact in his Chicago Bears debut, recording six tackles (two for loss), a sack and a pass breakup in a 34-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Despite limited time to learn the playbook, coach Ben Johnson awards him a game ball, and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen praises his rapid assimilation and elite talent. The trade, which cost Chicago two first‑round picks, appears justified as Simmons, a reigning First‑team All‑Pro with four Pro Bowl nods, shows he can elevate the Bears’ defense moving forward.
Tom Brady, the NFL’s GOAT and Fox Sports’ top analyst, announced his latest NFL power‑rankings on Wednesday, placing the Chicago Bears at No. 1 heading into Week 9. He praised Chicago’s “vibe” after their 34‑17 win over the Seattle Seahawks, noting the defense’s impact from rookie Jeffery Simmons and Caleb Williams’ 247‑yard, touchdown‑free performance. The Bears sit 6‑2 in the NFC North and host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, seeking a fourth straight victory before their bye. Brady’s ranking follows his 10‑year, $375 million deal that made him the highest‑paid sports commentator.
Seattle Seahawks rookie guard Grey Zabel, the 2025 first‑round pick from North Dakota State, reveals the shock of shifting from left guard to right guard in just one week after a staff move by defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. Zabel compares the transition to learning to write with the opposite hand, noting the need to overhaul stance, footwork and hand usage. In his first start at right guard, he allowed three pressures, one sack and posted a career‑low pass‑blocking grade of 13.2 against Chicago Bears tackle Jeffery Simmons. While analysts like Ray Roberts cite Zabel’s prior right‑guard experience in college, the Seahawks acknowledge a steep adjustment period as they reshuffle the line for All‑Pro Quenton Nelson.
The Bears receive mixed injury news ahead of Sunday night’s matchup with Tampa Bay. While new DT Jeffery Simmons continues to impress, left tackle Theo Benedet returns to practice and the defensive line sees upgrades, rookie Kyle Monangai remains sidelined with toe and thumb injuries and likely won’t return before the bye week. The report also notes the Buccaneers adding LT Tristan Wirfs to their injury list. Fans get a quick rundown of who’s ready and who isn’t as Chicago gears up for the game.
On the latest Gruden Family Football Show, former Bucs coach Jon Gruden shuts down a caller who mocked Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold. Gruden defends Darnold despite the Seahawks' recent struggles – 211.1 yards per game, 60.2% completion rate, and nine interceptions, including a 1‑for‑11, 13‑yard performance against the Bears. He blames Seattle's lack of running backs, poor pass protection and questionable roster moves rather than the QB. The exchange highlights Gruden’s continued support for Darnold amid a quad injury and a looming matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have surged from early‑season punch‑outs to one of the NFL’s top defenses, winning three of their last four games and re‑entering the NFC South race. In Week 9 they face the Chicago Bears, the league’s hottest team, at Soldier Field. The Bears boast an explosive offense led by QB Caleb Williams and RB D’Andre Swift, plus a newly acquired All‑Pro DT Jeffery Simmons, while their run game shines on outside cuts. Tampa’s stout run defense—anchored by nose tackle Vita Vea—ranks among the league’s best, especially inside the tackles, though they are vulnerable on the edge. The matchup pits two elite units against each other with major playoff stakes.
The Chicago Bears are in a heated bidding war with the Detroit Lions for Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen as the trade deadline approaches. After giving up two first‑round picks for All‑Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, General Manager Ryan Poles seeks to shore up a struggling secondary, seeking a upgrade over Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson. Eagles insider Thomas R. Peterson says the Bears and Lions are both deep in talks, and Chicago may need to offer a 2027 or 2028 Day‑3 pick if outbid. The move could be pivotal for the Bears' 2026 Super Bowl push.
As the NFL trade deadline looms, rumors link Chicago Bears to Chargers star linebacker Khalil Mack, but both coach Jin Harbaugh and Mack confirm he wants to stay in Los Angeles. In a press conference, Harbaugh called Mack "one of the pillars" of the team, and Mack told The Athletic he’s focused on helping the winless Chargers improve despite external chatter. With the Chargers firm on retaining him, the Bears must look elsewhere for pass‑rush talent.
Jake Moody makes a splash in his Ravens debut on Thursday Night Football, converting a 53-yard field goal to put Baltimore on the board against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With Tyler Loop on IR and backup quarterback Joe Fagnano under center, Moody's long‑range kick becomes a critical weapon for a team missing Lamar Jackson. The 26‑year‑old, a former Michigan All‑American and two‑time Big Ten Kicker of the Year, seeks to revive his career after brief stints with the Bears and Commanders. The kick remains Baltimore’s sole score early in the first quarter.
The 49ers’ WR Brandon Aiyuk files for reinstatement and will report Friday, but coach Kyle Shanahan says he has no expectations for the player. A potential trade for Vikings WR Jauan Jennings collapses after Jennings says he’s happy in Minnesota. GM John Lynch hints at a fluid situation with Aiyuk and notes WRs Demarcus Robinson and KhaDarel Hodge should return, while Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel may miss Week 9. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are eyeing a second‑round pick for OLB Josh Sweat and may trade S Budda Baker before the deadline; QB Jacoby Brissett’s deal is near finalization, and RB James Conner likely sits out this week. The Rams plan a cautious return for DE Myles Garrett, and the Seahawks, reeling from a 34‑17 loss to the Bears, acknowledge failures in all three phases and vow to improve.
Khalil Mack tells the Los Angeles Chargers he wants to stay, shutting down the Chicago Bears' trade pursuit. Despite the Chargers' 0-7 start, Mack, 35, remains tied for the team lead with three sacks and hopes to help a struggling squad. The Bears, fresh off a Jeffery Simmons deal, were eyeing Mack to bolster their edge rush for a Super Bowl push, but the veteran stresses his commitment to LA amid "outside noise." With a one‑year contract, the Chargers can still move him before the deadline if the team slides to 0‑8.
Former Bears long snapper Patrick Mannelly, a 245-game franchise record holder, discusses the 2026 Chicago Bears and his personal health journey. He recently joined Heartflow's GAMEFILM Registry, which uses CT scans and AI to study former NFL players' hearts, revealing that 85% of 200 surveyed ex‑players show coronary plaque despite few known diagnoses. Mannelly highlights rising star quarterback Caleb Williams, recent wins over the Patriots and Seahawks, and the impact of heavy linemen like Jeffery Simmons. He also recounts teammate Jon Dorenbos’s surprise aortic aneurysm discovery, underscoring the silent cardiovascular risk that one in three former NFL players face. New findings will be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions on Nov. 9 in Chicago.
Windy City Gridiron opens a members‑only forum to chat about Thursday Night Football as the Jacksonville Jaguars face the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 6, 2026. The Ravens, dealing with injuries to Lamar Jackson and Snoop Huntley, have added former Bears QB Austin Reed as a backup and will start UDFA Joe Fagnano despite a recent ding. A trade for Jacoby Brissett was reported but won’t take effect until next week. Fans can join the exclusive WCG‑MA thread or the broader NFL Feed to discuss the matchup.
The Chicago Bears celebrate the acquisition of All-Pro defensive end Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans, but their DT depth suffers a blow as Kentavius Street lands on injured reserve after a knee injury in Week 8's win over Seattle. Street, signed to a one‑year deal and who posted nine tackles, a sack and a QB hit in his first eight games, is unlikely to return this season. Coach Ben Johnson looks to veterans Neville Gallimore and James Lynch, plus newcomers Jayden Loving and rookie Jordan van den Berg, to fill the void and keep the pass rush effective when Simmons isn’t on the field.
On Thursday Night Football, the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) host the Baltimore Ravens (4-4) in the first NFL matchup since the Seahawks fell to the Bears. Trevor Lawrence looks like an MVP contender, backed by a defense featuring Travis Hunter, Travon Walker and Josh Hines‑Allen. The Ravens are shorthanded without Lamar Jackson (thumb injury) and Tyler Huntley (turf toe), prompting a trade for Jacoby Brissett that won’t take effect until the weekend, leaving third‑string UConn rookie Joey Fagnano to start on a short week. First‑year Ravens coach Jesse Minter faces a tough test.
Ahead of the Bears’ Week 9 clash with the Buccaneers, rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad publicly tells veteran Jaylon Johnson he must improve after ranking near the bottom of PFF’s cornerback grades (96th of 103). Muhammad, a fourth‑round pick with one interception and five pass breakups in seven games, lauds Johnson’s attitude but stresses the difficulty of the position. The critique comes as Chicago rides a 7‑2 record, led by QB Caleb Williams and a strong defense anchored by recent addition Jeffery Simmons, while the secondary struggles.
In Week 8, Chicago rookie DT Jeffery Simmons debuted with six tackles, two TFLs and a sack, earning high praise from head coach Ben Johnson and teammates for his disruptive presence against Seattle. Meanwhile, Detroit’s Sione Vaki impressed Lions coach Dan Campbell and QB Jared Goff with a strong rushing performance that eased the load on starter Jahmyr Gibbs. Green Bay’s rookie kicker Trey Smack has missed five field goals and three PATs, but coach Matt LaFleur remains confident in his resilience. Packers DE Micah Parsons admits his conditioning is the worst of his career after missing training camp, tempering expectations for an All‑Pro return this season.
Caleb Williams sparked a 34-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 5, 2026, throwing for 247 yards and a TD, and credits a "be decisive" mantra from former USC coach Lincoln Riley. The Heisman winner, Chicago’s top overall pick in 2023, has helped the Bears claim the NFC North title and reach a 6-2 record, including a second win against a defending Super Bowl champion (the 2025 24-15 win over Philadelphia). New head coach Ben Johnson says the mindset shift is unlocking Williams’ potential, reigniting championship talk in Chicago.
Dennis Allen praises Jeffery Simmons’ impact in his Bears debut, calling the former Titans Pro Bowler a "consummate professional" who instantly grasped Chicago’s scheme. Simmons tied for the team lead with six tackles and recorded a sack on Sam Darnold as the Bears routed the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks 34-17 at Lumen Field. The performance underscores GM Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson’s aggressive "Super Bowl or bust" vision, lifting Chicago to a 6-2 record while the NFC North race tightens against the Vikings, Lions and Packers.
After a 34-17 loss to the Bears, Seattle Seahawks defensive star DeMarcus Lawrence tells reporters the defense is “right where we need to be,” despite the unit ranking last in red‑zone efficiency and allowing touchdowns on all four Bears trips inside the 20. Lawrence emphasized a collective, play‑by‑play approach and refused to single out the defense amid the team’s 4‑4 record following a Super Bowl win. He and the Seahawks aim to bounce back against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
D'Andre Swift scored three second half rushing touchdowns in Seattle, becoming the first Bear with three rushing scores in a half since Walter Payton in 1977. Inside a historic night.
Eight in‑season NFL trades have already hit the market ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Teams are split: struggling clubs swap talent for draft picks, while playoff hopefuls add firepower. Highlights include the Giants grabbing QB J.J. McCarthy, the Steelers sending CB Joey Porter Jr. to Dallas, the Ravens acquiring Pro Bowl C Cam Jurgens, and the Bears trading two first‑rounders for DT Jeffery Simmons. The Colts off‑loaded DT DeForest Buckner and G Quenton Nelson for future picks, and the Ravens are poised to add QB Jacoby Brissett after Lamar Jackson’s injury. The flurry of moves showcases a rapid front‑office scramble for postseason positioning.