Bears Activate Ozzy Trapilo Off PUP List Seven Months After Patellar Rupture

Ozzy Trapilo has been cleared for training camp practice after recovering from a knee injury sustained during the Bears' wild-card victory over Green Bay.

The Chicago Bears officially activated left tackle Ozzy Trapilo from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Sunday, August 16, 2026. This transaction occurs precisely seven months after the former second-round selection suffered a ruptured patellar tendon during the NFL postseason. The injury took place while the offensive lineman was competing in a wild-card round victory against the Green Bay Packers. Following this medical clearance, the 2025 draft pick is now eligible to join his teammates for full-speed training camp sessions immediately.

Key details

Trapilo’s return to the active roster follows a rookie season where he logged six starts at the blindside protector position. His tenure in the starting lineup commenced in Week 12 and lasted through the opening round of the playoffs. Despite the catastrophic nature of a tendon rupture, the rehabilitation timeline has surpassed the organization's initial internal projections. During the early stages of the 2026 offseason, Chicago’s front office voiced significant doubt regarding whether the tackle would be physically capable of playing at any point during the upcoming campaign.

Head coach Ben Johnson highlighted that the lineman was consistently hitting specific recovery hurdles throughout the spring and summer months. This steady progress allowed the coaching staff to move him off the PUP list well before the conclusion of the preseason schedule. The franchise had previously harbored concerns that the injury might sideline the sophomore player for the entirety of the 2026 calendar year. Sunday's roster move effectively ends those fears, providing the offensive unit with a key piece of their depth chart as the regular season approaches.

The Bears are currently facilitating a four-way competition to determine who will start at left tackle for the season opener. The depth chart features Braxton Jones, Kiran Amegadjie, and Jedrick Wills Jr. as the primary candidates alongside the newly healthy Trapilo. While the coaching staff has not yet clarified how repetitions will be distributed, the activation adds a proven starter back into the rotation. The team must now evaluate his lateral mobility and strength after a half-year absence from contact drills.

Latest developments

Before the injury ended his debut year, the second-round pick had successfully solidified the left side of the line for the final third of the regular season. His performance in late 2025 earned him the trust of the offensive staff before the knee gave way in the postseason clash. The August 16 activation marks the conclusion of a grueling seven-month hiatus from football activities. Chicago continues its preparation for the 2026 season with a full complement of offensive linemen available for the first time this summer.

Medical staff monitored the tackle's progress daily to ensure the surgically repaired knee could withstand the torque required for professional blocking. The decision to remove the PUP designation suggests that the ligament has reached the necessary tensile strength for NFL-level competition. This development provides the Bears with significant flexibility, as they no longer need to reserve a roster spot for a player who cannot contribute on the field. The focus now shifts to conditioning and technique as the lineman attempts to reclaim his spot in the starting five.

Management had been cautious with the recovery process, avoiding any setbacks that could lead to long-term complications. By waiting until mid-August, the team ensured that the patellar tendon was fully integrated before exposing the athlete to the rigors of the trenches. The upcoming preseason games will serve as the final litmus test for his readiness. If he performs well in limited snaps, he could potentially challenge for the starting role he held prior to the injury. The coaching staff will likely ease him back into the rotation to prevent overexertion during his first week of active duty.