LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears left tackle Braxton Jones has endured injuries in the past, but he'd never gone through what he did over the past seven months.
Jones suffered an ankle fracture during a game against the Lions on Dec. 22 at Soldier Field. He underwent surgery soon after and then began a grueling rehabilitation process, one that tested him more than just physically.
“It was heavy on my heart,” Jones said following practice Thursday, his fourth back as a full participant. “This injury has definitely been very tough on me. I’ve learned a lot about myself. I feel good, just to be out there with the guys, running and feeling myself again.”
A three-year starter for the Bears at left tackle, Jones returned to full action Monday – following a ramp-up period across the first week of training camp – and stepped directly into a position battle.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson declared that Jones, rookie Ozzy Trapilo and second-year player Kiran Amegadjie are all competing to become the starting left tackle. The competition comes as Jones enters a contract season.
Despite the challenges in place for Jones, he’s approaching this year with peace of mind.
“Like, I really had to sit back and realize that I have a purpose that's bigger than myself at the end of the day and it's to serve that,” Jones said. “There is a lot of things that go into, you think about that and can get down on yourself or whatever it is. You know, I've definitely had those days for sure, but I think at the end of the day, I'm already grateful to be in the position that I'm in, that I've got three years of good starting experience. Like, I'm extremely grateful.
“It’s just putting that out in front and realizing those good things and then still having that mental edge too like I did with this injury. It’s given me a new mental edge of having, like, ‘I’ve got more to even prove.’”
Bears players had an off day from practice Friday. The break will allow Johnson and new offensive line coach Dan Roushar to meet with general manager Ryan Poles and the personnel staff to discuss the ongoing left tackle competition.
Johnson recently indicated that a decision on the starter isn't imminent as the Bears are just four days into practicing in full pads, but the hope is to reach a decision sooner rather than later.
“It takes time for the five guys to jell, it does.” Johnson said. “That’s been my experience. So, the sooner we can identify who those five guys are going to be, the quicker we’ll be at our top strength. But we got to identify who those five guys are first.”
Jones has the experience to his name, though Johnson has said this competition is a blank slate. He wants to evaluate Jones, Trapilo and Amegadjie for himself before reaching a decision.
Now that he’s healthy once again, Jones is battling for his present with the Bears – and his future too.
“I’ve just got to put my hat on that and continue working,” Jones said. “But trust me, that is definitely in the back of my head as well. Like I said, patience, there is a timing for everything and I can’t be too jumping the gun. I have to stay where I’m at.
“I try to stay as positive as I can and do what I can right now.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.