Ben Johnson finally makes his decision on Bears' starting left tackle

The Chicago Bears' lengthy competition at left tackle finally has an answer — at least for now. According to 670 The Score's Chris Emma, Bears coach Ben Johnson confirmed Tuesday that Braxton Jones will be Chicago's starting left tackle to open the 2026 season against the Carolina Panthers. But Johnson also made it clear the competition isn't necessarily over. He emphasized that the Bears will continue evaluating the position throughout the season, meaning Jones will have to play well to keep the job. Jones spent training camp competing primarily with Theo Benedet after returning to Chicago for another season. Johnson had repeatedly declined to name a starter during the summer, saying as recently as late August that the Bears weren't completely settled on who would start against Carolina. Now they are. Jones will get the first opportunity to protect Caleb Williams' blind side when the Bears open their season Sunday in Charlotte. How he performs could determine whether Chicago finally has some stability at the one unsettled position on an otherwise accomplished offensive line.