The Bears will give Theo Benedet, whom they originally brought in as an undrafted free agent from Canada last year, a chance to keep the starting job at left tackle.
Coach Ben Johnson said Saturday morning that Benedet will start Monday against the Commanders, leaving mainstay Braxton Jones as the swing tackle. It will be Benedet’s second career start and first at left tackle.
Jones and Benedet emerged as finalists for the job toward the end of training camp, and Johnson went with Jones for the first four games. Benedet started at right tackle against the Raiders because Darnell Wright was out with an injured right elbow. When Johnson lost patience with Jones’ performance, he moved Benedet to left tackle and put rookie Ozzy Trapilo at right tackle. Benedet played well enough against the Raiders to extend the audition.
Wright will return with an elbow brace against Washington.
The Commanders are third in the NFL with 15 sacks, led by defensive end Dorance Armstrong with five. They also have eight-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Von Miller.
The Bears brought Benedet, 23, to rookie minicamp last year and kept him through training camp. He spent the season on their practice squad.
Benedet has played in all four games this season, totaling 108 snaps between offense and special teams.
“You definitely have to defend [your job] every play,” he said. “One of the first things you learn is that as soon as you’re in this building, they’re trying to replace you.”
Commanders receivers out
The Commanders ruled out wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown.
McLaurin, who’s out with a quad injury, topped 1,000 receiving yards the last five seasons. Brown is less of a factor overall but caught the winning touchdown pass in the “Fail Mary” game last season.
They also could be without star wide receiver Deebo Samuel. He didn’t practice Saturday because of a bruised heel and is questionable. Commanders coach Dan Quinn said it could take until Monday to know if he can play. Samuel leads the team with 30 receptions for 300 yards and three touchdowns. He also is averaging 6.6 yards per carry and has a rushing touchdown.
Kicker update
Johnson avoided clearing up kicker Cairo Santos’ status as he deals with a quad injury, but the injury report indicated he’s good to go.
When asked if it would be prudent to have practice-squad kicker Jake Moody available, Johnson said, “We’ll have a plan.” Moody also could handle kickoffs, which the Bears had punter Tory Taylor do when Santos got hurt against the Raiders.
The team has until Monday at 3 p.m. to make any roster moves for the game.
Injury roundup
Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett didn’t practice during the week because of a knee injury and was ruled out for a second consecutive game.
Tight end Colston Loveland (hip) practiced in full Saturday, was listed as questionable and is expected to play.
Defensive end Austin Booker (knee) and running back Travis Homer (calf) practiced in full and are questionable. Both are on injured reserve and would need to be activated by Monday.
Notes
The forecast for Monday night in Landover, Maryland, is 60 degrees at kickoff with a high chance of rain throughout Sunday and Monday
“I kind of hope that we do get some elements,’’ Johnson said. ‘‘That’s what the good Lord made football for: to play outside and get to experience that.”
† Bears defensive end Montez Sweat, who began his career with Washington and called the environment “toxic” in a 2024 Sun-Times interview, said he’s “pretty much just past that era” and his focus is “just getting wins.”
† The Commanders continued to list quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) on the injury report, but he practiced all week and will start.
