Bears' Ozzy Trapilo Returns to Practice Seven Months After Patellar Tendon Rupture
Chicago offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo was cleared to practice on August 16, just seven months after tearing his patellar tendon, a recovery far quicker than typical NFL timelines.
The Chicago Bears announced that second-year offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo has resumed individual practice after a ruptured patellar tendon suffered in the January 10 playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers. While a 2025 study in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine indicated that players typically need about 357 days before returning to a regular-season game, the Bears moved him off the Physically Unable to Perform list on August 16, only seven months post-injury.
NFL insiders highlighted the rarity of such a swift recovery, with analysts labeling it “insane” and “absolutely insane.” The development also reshapes the competition for Chicago’s left-tackle role, joining Braxton Jones, Jedrick Wills and Kiran Amegadjie. Reactions ranged from serious praise to lighthearted jokes referencing Batman’s Lazarus Pit. The team will monitor his knee’s response as his workload increases before considering full-contact play.
Why it matters
Trapilo's rapid recovery could impact the Bears' offensive line depth and illustrates advances in injury rehabilitation.
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