Here’s a gut-wrenching reality for Chicago Bears fans: their Week 12 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers just got a lot tougher. The team’s list of inactives is out, and it includes starting left tackle Theo Benedet. This isn’t just any absence—Benedet, despite his inconsistencies in pass protection, has been a stalwart in the run game since taking over in Week 6 against the Washington Commanders. His absence leaves a glaring hole on the offensive line, especially with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams relying on him as his blindside protector.
But here’s where it gets interesting: stepping into Benedet’s shoes is Ozzy Trapilo, a second-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft. Trapilo, who initially vied for the starting left tackle spot during the spring, found himself behind Braxton Jones and Benedet on the depth chart by summer’s end. Yet, he possesses the size, length, and raw talent to be a force in the pros. While many believe his future lies at right tackle, this game offers him a golden opportunity to prove he can anchor the left side—and against no easy opponent. Good luck facing T.J. Watt and the Steelers’ relentless defense.
And this is the part most people miss: the Steelers aren’t at full strength either. They’ll be without quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose absence could significantly alter the game’s dynamics. Will the Bears capitalize, or will Trapilo’s trial by fire become the defining storyline? Only time will tell.
Here’s the full list of Bears inactives for Sunday’s game, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter account:
Inactives for #PITvsCHI: [Insert image or link here]
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 23, 2025
For context, the Steelers also shared their inactives:
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 23, 2025
Controversial question for fans: Is Trapilo’s sudden start a blessing in disguise, or a recipe for disaster against one of the league’s most fearsome defenses? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Written by Luis C. Medina, Senior Writer at Bleacher Nation. Since launching BN’s Bears coverage in 2017, Luis has chronicled the team’s journey through 5 head coaches, 6 play-callers, and 10 starting quarterbacks. His previous work includes Cubs and MLB coverage at BN (2015-16) and a stint in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted the Cubs postgame show Outside the Ivy in 2019. Follow him on Twitter for more insights: [Insert Twitter link here].
