Braxton Jones gets first-team reps as Bears put on pads

Chicago Bears left tackle Braxton Jones took the first-team reps to begin the team's first padded practice of training camp, continuing to strengthen his grip on the starting job. Jones entered camp as the favorite to start at left tackle after returning to full health following the ankle injury that hampered his 2025 season. The first day in pads marks an important milestone for the veteran, whose physicality and pass protection will now be evaluated in a more game-like setting. With competition still looming behind him and rookie Ozzy Trapilo continuing his recovery from a knee injury, every padded practice represents another opportunity for Jones to prove he can reclaim the form that made him a dependable starter before injuries slowed him last season.