The Chicago Bears have released their inactives ahead of their NFC Divisional Round clash with the Los Angeles Rams, and there’s a little bit of everything in the mix-some encouraging news, and some that will force a serious reshuffle up front.
Let’s start with the positive: rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze is active, just as expected. He’s been trending in the right direction all week, and now it’s official-he’ll suit up for the biggest game of his young career. With Odunze and DJ Moore both in the lineup, Caleb Williams retains his top two weapons on the outside, giving the Bears a fighting chance to keep pace in what could turn into a high-octane matchup.
But the Bears are taking a hit in the trenches. Left tackle Braxton Jones is inactive, and that’s a significant blow.
Jones has been a steady presence on the blind side, and his absence means the offensive line will look a lot different than what fans are used to seeing. Veteran Joe Thuney is sliding over to left tackle, a position he hasn’t played regularly, while Jordan McFadden steps in at left guard.
It’s a big-time shuffle in a high-stakes moment, and the Bears are hoping the experience of Thuney can help stabilize things.
Theo Benedet will serve as the backup left tackle, with Ozzy Trapilo already ruled out for the season. That leaves the Bears thin at one of the most critical spots on the field-something to watch closely against a Rams pass rush that doesn’t need much help creating pressure.
Here’s the full list of Bears inactives for the game:
- Case Keenum (third quarterback)
- Nick McCloud (cornerback)
- Braxton Jones (left tackle)
- Jahdae Walker (wide receiver)
- Ruben Hyppolite II (linebacker)
- Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (defensive end)
McCloud’s absence was expected-he was the only player listed as out on the final injury report. With him sidelined, the Bears will rotate Kyler Gordon and C.J. Gardner-Johnson at nickel corner, while Jaylon Jones provides depth in the secondary.
Offensively, with Odunze active, the Bears can lean into their full complement of playmakers. DJ Moore remains the WR1, but Odunze’s presence gives Caleb Williams a dynamic second option.
Add in Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland, and there’s no shortage of talent in the passing game. The question is whether the reshuffled offensive line can give Williams enough time to find them.
This is as high-stakes as it gets. The Bears are three wins away from their first Super Bowl appearance in four decades.
Every snap matters. Every adjustment counts.
And while the road won’t be easy-especially against a Rams team that’s been here before-Chicago has the firepower to make this interesting. The pieces are there.
Now it’s about execution.