Rome Odunze was listed as a non-participant for the second straight day at the Chicago Bears practice.
While the Bears didn’t practice on Wednesday, Thursday’s on-field session confirmed the concern: their WR1 still hasn’t taken a single rep heading into the end of Week 14 prep.
Odunze played 80.5 percent of the snaps in the Black Friday win over Philadelphia, but he finished with just two catches for eight yards, his quietest outing in weeks. And now, with this foot injury lingering, it’s fair to wonder whether that played a part in his disappointing game.
Through 12 games, Odunze has 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns, emerging as Caleb Williams’ most consistent target.
If he can’t go Sunday, Chicago’s passing game changes shape entirely. DJ Moore becomes the unquestioned focal point, Luther Burden III steps into a larger perimeter workload, and Olamide Zaccheaus becomes the slot receiver.
A Mixed Injury Report With One Big Red Flag
GettyChicago Bears WR1 Rome Odunze
The Bears’ updated Thursday injury report brought both mild relief as well as some real concern.
Rookie running back sensation Kyle Monangai , who surprisingly popped up Wednesday with an ankle injury, was thankfully upgraded to limited participation. That’s big for an offense that leans on his physicality, and now early signs point toward D’Andre Swift carrying more of the load in Green Bay .
Looking at the rest of the Bears’ injury report, several starters remained out:
- WR Rome Odunze – Foot (DNP)
- LB Ruben Hyppolite II – Shoulder (DNP)
- CB Tyrique Stevenson – Hip (DNP)
- OG Joe Thuney – Rest (DNP)
However, on the flips side, Chicago did get defensive reinforcements back.
DT Andrew Billings , CB Jaylon Johnson , DE Dominique Robinson , and LB Noah Sewell all practiced in full Thursday. Also, star LB T.J. Edwards was limited but continues trending upward as he works through hand and hamstring issues. This is a great sign that the Bears’ linebacker room may finally stabilize.
But the truth is… nothing outweighs the Odunze situation. Two missed days gives him just one more opportunity to prove he’s healthy enough to go. For a game this meaningful, that’s cutting it close.
A Critical Game Grows Even Heavier
GettyChicago Bears WR1 Rome Odunze
The Chicago Bears are 9-3, #1 in the NFC, and staring at the playoffs (you can read that again). But now comes Lambeau Field… the measuring stick, the NFC North throne, the game that will reveal who Chicago really is.
Ben Johnson’s team has climbed into NFC contention by winning in layers: a balanced run-pass structure, a rejuvenated defense, and Caleb Williams’ steady command of high-leverage moments. But take Odunze out of that equation, even temporarily, and one of those layers thins.
If Rome isn’t able to play, that leaves a lot of pressure on rookie Luther Burden III to grow up quickly as well as on Olamide Zaccheaus to provide steady, reliable production from the slot.
Chicago remains hopeful that Rome Odunze will be good to go by Sunday. But at the moment, hope is all they have.
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