The Chicago Bears have placed starting left tackle Braxton Jones on injured reserve because of a knee injury. That means backup Theo Benedet will get the nod at left tackle today against the New York Jets.
Attention, David Bailey and Will McDonald IV – you have a favorable matchup and need to take advantage of it. Bailey has two sacks and eight pressures, while McDonald – who may be nursing an ankle injury – has one sack and six pressures.
Benedet is a 6-7, 304-pounder who has a 65.3 overall PFF grade in the 2026 season, 37th among 70 qualified offensive tackles. He played 77 offensive snaps on the season. His run blocking is far stronger than his pass protection, as measured by PFF.
On the downside for the Jets defense, edge Kingsley Enagbare is inactive for the Chicago game. He has two sacks and 5 pressures and has filled out the rotation while edge Joseph Ossai recovered from a foot injury.
On the other side of the ball, tight end Kenyon Sadiq will be active for the game. He was listed as questionable in the week-ending injury report with a back problem. How effective he’ll be remains to be seen, but his speed and performance in Week 3 at least make him an effective decoy.
The Jets also elevated receiver Sterling Shepard to the 53-man rotation. He’ll be a supplemental piece to Garrett Wilson, Isaiah Williams and Malik McClain. In last week’s game against Detroit, he caught a key two-point conversion to tie the game for the Jets.
Linebacker Jaden Keller was also elevated for the game. He’s expected to be a special teamer for this game. The Virginia Tech product was on the practice squad after a strong preseason.
