The Chicago Bears are heading into Week 16 with momentum-but their wide receiver room is limping toward the finish line. As the team released its first injury report of the week, the early outlook wasn’t exactly encouraging, especially for a unit that’s already been tested by injuries.
Let’s start with the obvious: yes, it’s just a walkthrough report, so the participation levels are estimates. But even with that context, the red flags are hard to ignore.
Two key wideouts, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, were listed as did not participate. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team still in the thick of the NFC North race.
Odunze Still a Question Mark
All eyes are on Rome Odunze, and for good reason. The rookie wideout has missed the last two games with a foot injury, and while he was technically active in the Bears’ dominant 31-3 win over the Browns in Week 15, he never saw the field.
Head coach Ben Johnson made it clear then-and continues to emphasize now-that they’re going to be cautious with Odunze. That’s the smart play long-term, but it does leave a big question mark hanging over this offense in the short term.
Burden’s Ankle Adds to WR Woes
As if Odunze’s status wasn’t enough to worry about, Luther Burden III is also on the shelf, nursing an ankle injury he suffered during the Browns game. Burden’s been a spark plug in this offense, and losing both him and Odunze would leave the Bears with DJ Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus as the top options at receiver. Not exactly the depth you want when you're fighting for the division title.
If both Odunze and Burden are sidelined, expect to see the Bears lean more heavily on their tight ends-Cole Kmet and rookie Colston Loveland-in the passing game. Kmet was listed as limited with ankle and knee issues, but his availability will be even more crucial if the wide receiver group is thinned out again.
Defensive Depth Getting Tested Too
It’s not just the offense dealing with health concerns. On defense, Tremaine Edmunds was listed as limited with a groin injury.
This was his first practice appearance since the Bears opened his 21-day return window, and while it’s a positive sign, the team isn’t expected to rush him back. They don’t need to-not with D’Marco Jackson stepping up and solidifying his role in the linebacker rotation.
Amen Ogbongbemiga (hamstring) and Andrew Billings (illness) also didn’t practice, which could test Chicago’s depth in the front seven. But again, the team has shown it can weather injuries on defense, thanks to some strong rotational play and smart game planning.
The Full Injury Report (12/16/2025)
- Andrew Billings, DL - Illness (DNP)
- Luther Burden III, WR - Ankle (DNP)
- Rome Odunze, WR - Foot (DNP)
- Amen Ogbongbemiga, LB - Hamstring (DNP)
- Tremaine Edmunds, LB - Groin (Limited)
- Travis Homer, RB - Ankle (Limited)
- Cole Kmet, TE - Ankle/Knee (Limited)
- Tyson Bagent, QB - Illness (Full)
Big Picture: Short Week, Big Stakes
The good news? The Bears’ injury list is shorter than it’s been in recent weeks.
The bad news? The names on that list-especially at wide receiver-carry significant weight.
With a short week ahead and the NFC North still up for grabs, the timing couldn’t be more critical.
Chicago’s offense has shown it can adapt, but losing both Odunze and Burden would force a major shift in the game plan. Expect more two-tight end sets, a heavier dose of the run game, and perhaps even a few creative wrinkles from Ben Johnson’s playbook to keep things moving.
It’s going to be a week of close monitoring and cautious optimism in Chicago. The Bears are still in control of their playoff destiny-but they’ll need some key pieces back on the field if they want to finish strong.