The Chicago Bears are heading into a crucial Week 14 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, and Wednesday’s injury report gave us a clearer-though still concerning-picture of where things stand.
Let’s start with the offense, where the biggest question mark is wide receiver Rome Odunze. For the second straight day, Odunze did not practice due to a foot injury.
That’s not ideal for a Bears passing attack that’s leaned heavily on the rookie standout this season. Odunze has emerged as Caleb Williams’ go-to target, and without him, the Bears’ aerial game could look very different on Sunday.
If Odunze can’t go, expect DJ Moore and Luther Burden III to take on expanded roles on the outside, with Olamide Zaccheaus likely getting more snaps in the slot. Moore has proven he can be a WR1, but losing Odunze would still be a major blow to the offense’s rhythm and spacing-especially in a game with playoff implications.
There is a bit of optimism in the backfield, though. Kyle Monangai, who didn’t practice earlier in the week due to an ankle injury, was upgraded to limited participation.
That’s a step in the right direction, but even if he suits up, don’t be surprised if D’Andre Swift handles the bulk of the carries. Monangai has been a physical, downhill option for the Bears, but Swift’s versatility and burst might be leaned on more heavily if Monangai isn’t 100%.
On the defensive side, the linebacker group is showing signs of getting healthier. Noah Sewell was a full participant with his elbow injury, and **T.J.
Edwards** continues to work his way back, logging limited participation with hand and hamstring issues. That’s good news for a unit that had been stretched thin in recent weeks, with D’Marco Jackson and Amen Ogbongbemiga taking on more responsibility than expected.
The return of Sewell and the gradual ramp-up of Edwards should help stabilize the second level of the defense.
Elsewhere on defense, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (hip) and linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (shoulder) both remained sidelined. Those are situations to monitor, especially given how important Stevenson has been in coverage. However, the Bears did get a boost with Jaylon Johnson (groin) practicing in full, which is huge considering the Packers’ receiving corps has been heating up in recent weeks.
Up front, Andrew Billings and Dominique Robinson both cleared concussion protocol and were full participants. That’s a welcome development for a defensive line that’s going to need all hands on deck against a Green Bay offense that’s been finding its rhythm.
One name that popped up but isn’t cause for concern: Joe Thuney. The veteran left guard didn’t practice, but it was a scheduled rest day-something the Bears have done consistently with him this season to keep him fresh.
Here’s the full breakdown of the Bears’ Wednesday injury report:
Did Not Practice (DNP)
- Rome Odunze, WR (Foot)
- Ruben Hyppolite II, LB (Shoulder)
- Tyrique Stevenson, CB (Hip)
- Joe Thuney, LG (Rest)
Limited Participation
- Kyle Monangai, RB (Ankle)
- T.J. Edwards, LB (Hand/Hamstring)
Full Participation
- Andrew Billings, DL (Concussion)
- Jaylon Johnson, CB (Groin)
- Dominique Robinson, DL (Concussion)
- Noah Sewell, LB (Elbow)
As the Bears prepare for a must-win game against the Packers, all eyes will be on Odunze’s availability. His presence-or absence-could dramatically shift how this offense operates. Meanwhile, the defense appears to be trending in the right direction at just the right time.
It’s December football. The margin for error is razor-thin, and the Bears know it.