Entering this season, Theo Benedet’s most noteworthy moment with the Chicago Bears was singing in a bathing suit in front of his teammates. Benedet will make Bears franchise history with his first snap on “Monday Night Football” against the Washington Commanders in Week 7.
If all goes well, the moment will be but a footnote in Benedet’s career and the Bears’ 2025 regular season.
The Bears certainly hope the implications are far more tangible.
Theo Benedet Gets Honest Before Debut as Bears Starting LT vs Commanders
Bears’ Theo Benedet Set for Historic 1st Start at LT
Theo Benedet #79 of the Chicago Bears warms up with teammates before practice in Week 5. Mandatory credit: Clocker Sports.
Benedet will be the first Canadian-born player to be the official starting left tackle for the Bears, per Pro Football Reference, a list that dates back to 1920. Of the 67 players Stathead lists as having started a game for the Bears, none of them were born outside of the US.
He spoke with Clocker Sports this week about the switch from Braxton Jones. Benedet addressed how the Bears’ coaching staff handled it. He also spoke about how his teammates have responded in the wake of a decision with tremendous ramifications.
Notably, Benedet said there was no direct announcement, just a “natural continuation,”.
“You start getting more and more reps. And then as the week goes on, you learn kind of what plays are maybe designed for you or designed to use your strengths,” Benedet told Clocker Sports on Saturday after practice. “That kind of helps to clear things up.”
Jones started every game for the Bears as a fifth-round rookie draft pick in 2022. He has battled injuries since, including one that lingered from the end of last season into this one.
That allowed Benedet to get reps at LT during the Bears’ offseason program.
An undrafted free agent out of the University of British Columbia in 2024, Benedet did not see the field for the Bears as a rookie. He started in place of an injured Darnell Wright (elbow) in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders before the Bears’ bye in Week 5.
Fortunately for the Bears, Wright is off the injury report for Week 6. That means Benedet is the only new piece on the O-line entering Week 6. The Bears retooled the group this offseason, though that was specifically on the interior.
According to Benedet, his teammates have “been super supportive.”
“Obviously, having Joe [Thuney] next to me, a vet, is a real anchor that can kind of help me sort through all the new things I’m seeing being out there for the first few games,” Benedet told Clocker Sports.
Benedet has clearly already earned the trust of the Bears coaching staff to even be in this position.
Bears OL Coach Praises Theo Benedet
Chicago Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar gives instructions during practice in Week 6. Mandatory credit: Clocker Sports.
Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar spoke about how Benedet has impressed the staff on many levels in practice and since the start of the offseason program.
“It starts with this work ethic. His attention to detail. The way he goes out and works every rep like it’s a game rep, and we see growth every day from that. He’s a quick learner. He’ll make a mistake, and he’ll learn from it,” Roushar told Clocker Sports on Friday.
“It’s given him the ability to compete both on the right side and the left side. And he’s not a finished product by any means. But we’ve seen the development daily, and I think it’s a real credit to how he’s approached his work. I think he’s gained a lot of confidence each and every day. He’s demonstrated that with his ability and his capability. And so, it’s been really encouraging and fun to watch him.”
Benedet worked as the Bears’ swing tackle before stepping in for Wright. That allowed him to make an easier transition during the win over the Raiders. He credited his coaches for preparing him, while Roushar again cited Benedet’s work ethic.
“As the third tackle, oftentimes you become a guy that has to work both sides. In this case, going in, Darnell was certainly down, and we were getting Ozzy [Trapilo] ready. Knowing that if something happened quickly, Theo goes to the left side,” Roushar told Clocker Sports.
“Each and every week he gets reps on the left side, but he got more as we were going forward. And I think it served him very well.”
Benedet’s first game began against Maxx Crosby for the Raiders.
In Week 6, he will face a Commanders rotation featuring edge rushers Dorance Armstrong, former Bear Jake Martin, and All-Pro Von Miller. If he is successful, it will be another “continuation” of what Benedet has done since his arrival. Benedet worked to put himself into a position to be successful. Now, he is on the precipice of history.
