Theo Benedet will start at left tackle for Bears vs. Jets

Benedet has already seen meaningful action at left tackle this season, but Sunday's assignment puts him squarely in the spotlight as the Bears attempt to improve to 3-1.

It's another opportunity for Benedet to establish himself at a position that has required plenty of attention from the Bears over the last several months.

The Bears opened the season with Braxton Jones at left tackle, but Johnson made it clear at the time that the evaluation at the position would continue. Benedet has remained part of that equation, and now he'll get the start against New York.

Theo Benedet gets another big opportunity

The decision matters because the Bears are still navigating quarterback uncertainty.

Caleb Williams remains sidelined by the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 2, while Chicago has spent this week keeping its decision between Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum private.

Regardless of which quarterback starts, the Bears would like to avoid putting him in obvious passing situations where the Jets can attack the edges of the offensive line.

That's where Benedet comes in.

The Bears have leaned heavily on their running game this season, and maintaining that success is especially important while Williams remains unavailable. A solid performance from Benedet would help Chicago stay committed to that approach while giving either Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum a clean pocket

For now, at least, the decision has been made. Benedet will protect the blind side Sunday as the Bears try to build on their dominant win over Philadelphia and move to 3-1.