The Worst Is Feared For Ozzy Trapilo — But Recent NFL History Tells A Different Story

Knee injuries are never good in the NFL, but they were really bad 20-25 years ago. Torn ACLs and torn patella tendons could not just end a season, but even a career. That is the fear surrounding Ozzy Trapilo. The Chicago Bears’ rookie left tackle was really coming into his own down the stretch of this season. So when the news dropped that he’d torn his patella, it was met with crushing shock and dread. Not only would he face 6-12 months of recovery, but there was a strong possibility in most people’s minds that his career would never be the same.

Returning to the NFL after a patellar tendon rupture sucks, with return-to-play rates around 55.4% and often a significant drop in performance.

6-12 months rehab.#DaBears are back in the market for a LT. https://t.co/pjUTeWTxGn

— Mason West (@WestSportsPT) January 11, 2026

The careers of some notable names were all but ruined by patella issues. Cadillac Williams, Victor Cruz, Jerod Mayo, and LeCharles Bentley were some of them. Those stories have painted a gloomy picture of what the injury can do. However, recent history has been different. Tight end Jimmy Graham tore his in late 2015. Not only did he return to play the full season in 2016, but he also had over 900 yards. Nakobe Dean tore his in the wild card round last season. He missed the first seven games of 2025, but still had 55 tackles and four sacks. Yet there is no better example for Trapilo than Josh Simmons.

Exactly this. The science of the surgery and rehab involved has changed a lot over the years. Josh Simmons had a torn patellar tendon in college and came back to have a great rookie year for the Chiefs.#DaBears https://t.co/Vl06JcTF8q

— Mason West (@WestSportsPT) January 11, 2026

Really good stuff on display by Josh Simmons last night against Hines-Allen. The aggressive, 2-hand jump to mix it up early (rep 1) followed by good positional leverage to settle at his spot inside-out with chip help. Can see the high (outside)/low (inside) hand placement on the… pic.twitter.com/grAnDIZFI9

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) October 7, 2025

Ozzy Trapilo can follow the Simmons path.

The 1st round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs suffered his patella injury in October of 2024. He recovered enough to become the team’s opening day starting left tackle and played really well for the first five weeks. Then, family issues and injuries to other body parts shortened his season. Still, it was apparent he’d regained the range of mobility he’d been touted for in college. There is no reason to think Trapilo can’t do the same. He is only 24 years old. If the surgery goes well and he attacks the rehab process, he could be back sooner than people think.

Until then, the Bears must make plans for life without him. It is a safe assumption that they will look to retain Theo Benedet. He has done an admirable job as a spot starter for the offense this season. Don’t be surprised if they seek some veteran help. Much of this depends on the prognosis of Ozzy Trapilo. If the injury is typical, they will likely avoid any big moves. If it’s particularly severe, they may go back to the draft for help. Smart money says they will be willing to wait it out.