What Bears LT Braxton Jones has learned while recovering from injury
While Jones has been the starter for the past three seasons, which certainly gives him a slight advantage, he's also returning from injury after having missed the entire offseason program. The effort that Jones is putting in is admirable. Not only is he fighting for his role as a starter, but he is also working his way back from a serious injury.
Last December, Jones suffered a broken ankle during a Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions that ended his season early by two games. His recovery caused him to miss OTAs and minicamp, and he was limited to start training camp. Recently, Jones shared what he learned about himself during the process.
'I learned a lot of patience," Jones said. "Having to get surgery and stuff like that. I had to be patient with myself, be patient with the people around me. And honestly, I stepped on a lot of toes during that process early on. It was hard to realize that I need to be more patient with people and allow them to help me, allow them to do things for me. At the end of the day, I learned that I have to be a little bit more patient and not be so urgent to do everything. I mean that when you're healthy, you're go, go, go. And then when you're down like that, injured, you have to be patient. You have to understand that it's a process.'
Jones doesn't have much experience dealing with major injuries as he's been a mostly durable football player throughout his career at every level. Jones admitted as a fault of his when describing his desire to get back to the field. You have to respect the nature of his work ethic, but everybody knows that you have to take your time with a rehab process that intense.
Jones displayed a lot of maturity during his first presser since his injury. This perspective could be what helps him with the job out of camp.
Is it possible that Trapilo wins the job? Yes. Is it possible that he takes over during the season? Of course. Is it possible that Jones hangs on and is deemed the left tackle who gives the Bears the best chance to win? Also yes.
At the end of the day, everyone's goal is to have a successful football team. Jones seems to have that mindset when it comes to working his way back from injury amid a competitive battle for the starting job.
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