B.C. blindside blocker: Canadian Theo Benedet named starting left tackle for Chicago Bears

Photo: Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are entrusting Caleb Williams’ blindside to a graduate from the University of British Columbia.

On Saturday, head coach Ben Johnson confirmed Canadian offensive lineman Theo Benedet will make his second career start on Monday Night Football, this time at left tackle. The 23-year-old replaces three-year starter Braxton Jones, a former fifth-round NFL Draft pick, who appears to have fallen out of favour with the franchise’s new regime.

Benedet made his first NFL start on September 28 against the Las Vegas Raiders, lining up against two-time All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby. He played the first 28 snaps of the game at right tackle before flipping to left tackle for the final 40, a spot he now appears to have won for himself.

The North Vancouver, B.C., product signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and spent the entire season on their practice roster. In January, he returned to the team on a reserve/futures contract for 2025 and impressed Johnson’s staff in training camp, coming out of nowhere to become a contender for a starting tackle job in the preseason.

The six-foot-seven, 305-pound blocker was a four-year collegiate starter at the University of British Columbia. He became the first offensive player to win back-to-back J. P. Metras Trophies as the country’s top lineman and twice secured first-team All-Canadian honours with the Thunderbirds.

Benedet’s university teammate, Giovanni Manu, made his first career start at left tackle for the Detroit Lions last week, but is currently listed as questionable to play on Sunday with a knee injury. If he plays and starts, it would mean that 25 percent of the starting offensive tackles in the NFC North came from the same U Sports program.

The Chicago Bears (2-2) visit the Washington Commanders (3-2) on Monday, October 13 at 8:15 p.m. EDT.