Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson confirmed what already looked like a near certainty: fourth-year lineman Braxton Jones will start at left tackle in Week 1.

By the time Johnson announced the decision Tuesday at Halas Hall, the move was largely expected. Jones started the last two preseason games at left tackle and earned all the first-team reps in practice throughout the second half of August.

Jones, 26, returns to the job that he held for the previous three seasons. The former fifth-round draft pick out of Southern Utah has started 40 career games at left tackle since coming into the league in 2022.

During the offseason, the offensive line was under a microscope and there was much speculation — at least outside Halas Hall — that left tackle might be a spot that needed an upgrade. Ultima

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