Bears News: Rome Odunze Limited In Practice
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze was listed as limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week, according to the team’s injury report. With two limited sessions to begin Week 1 preparation, Odunze remains up in the air for Sunday’s season opener against the Carolina Panthers, and he may need to upgrade to a full practice designation Friday to be cleared to play.
The injury first surfaced during a padded practice last Thursday, when Odunze came up hobbling and had to be helped off the field. There was real concern in the days that followed about whether the issue was tied to the stress fracture in his right foot that cost him the final five games of last season; some reports specifically flagged that possibility, while others described it purely as a calf strain. The team and head coach Ben Johnson have since maintained the current issue is a calf injury separate from last year’s foot problem, one Odunze himself has said is behind him.
If Odunze is limited or ruled out Sunday, Kalif Raymond and Jahdae Walker would have a path to elevated roles alongside Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland. Raymond currently sits behind Odunze on the depth chart, while Walker is the depth option behind Burden.
Odunze, the ninth overall pick in 2024 out of Washington, posted a career-high six touchdowns in 12 regular-season games during his sophomore campaign in 2025, flashing real WR1 upside before the foot injury derailed the back half of his season. He returned for Chicago’s playoff run and looked sharp, reinforcing the belief that last year’s issue is truly resolved.
Given the uncertainty around his practice status this week, Odunze is shaping up as more of a WR3/flex option to begin the 2026 season if he does suit up against Carolina, with his role likely to expand as he shakes off the rust from a shortened week of practice. Check back for his final injury designation Friday.
