(670 The Score) The Bears have a new man protecting quarterback Caleb Williams' blindside.
Theo Benedet, a second-year player out of the University of British Columbia, is the Bears' new starter at left tackle, coach Ben Johnson confirmed Saturday at Halas Hall. The decision was made during the bye last week, sources said.
Benedet, 23, started at right tackle during in the Bears' win over the Raiders on Sept. 28, when Darnell Wright was sidelined by injury. Benedet has played in four career NFL games, all coming this season.
Benedet was signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent last year. He has earned the trust of Johnson and the new coaching staff.
"You’ve just kind of seen him grow," Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said of Benedet on Friday. "I think Kyle (DeVan) and Dan (Roushar) have done a great job of training our guys, cross-training him, putting him in different positions – not only tackle, guard and really the versatility there I really like about him. And the way he’s able to move, he’s a player that's ascending and will continue to grow.
"He's just continued to progress and get better. But it wasn’t like he went out there and it was too big for him in any way. His mentality and how he approaches the game, I think it’s been consistent since we’ve been here."
In turning to Benedet, the Bears are moving three-year starting left tackle Braxton Jones to a reserve role.
Jones, 26, has started 44 games over four NFL seasons with the Bears. He remained in the starting job at left tackle to open this season, though Benedet made a late push for the role during training camp.
During the competition in August, Johnson made it clear that he would be evaluating the left tackle position during the season. The Week 5 bye allowed him to make the change.
The Bears (2-2) will visit the Washington Commanders (3-2) on Monday, with kickoff set for 7:15 p.m. CT from Northwest Stadium.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.