Rome Odunze Returns to Practice as Bears Monitor Key Injuries Ahead of Browns Matchup
The Bears got a welcome sight this week as standout rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze returned to the practice field. After missing last Sunday’s divisional loss to the Packers with a foot injury, Odunze has now logged back-to-back limited sessions on Wednesday and Thursday-a promising sign as Chicago gears up for a critical Week 15 clash against the Browns.
While his reps have been managed, Odunze’s presence alone is an encouraging development for a Bears offense that’s leaned heavily on the first-year wideout. He currently leads the team in receptions (44), receiving yards (661), and touchdown catches (6). That kind of production speaks volumes-not just about his talent, but about how quickly he’s earned trust in the passing game.
The Bears will hold one more practice on Friday before releasing their official injury designations, but Odunze’s trending participation suggests he’s pushing to be available on Sunday. And with the Browns’ defense bringing pressure from all angles, the Bears could certainly use their top target back in the mix.
Elsewhere on the injury front, there are a few names to keep an eye on.
Cornerback Kyler Gordon (groin) and running back Travis Homer (ankle) both missed practice for the second straight day. That’s not ideal heading into the weekend, especially for a secondary that’s already had to shuffle pieces throughout the year.
Meanwhile, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (hip) and wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (hamstring) were limited participants, which keeps the door open for potential availability depending on how they respond to Friday’s session.
On the more optimistic side, linebacker Ruben Hippolyte (shoulder) and cornerback Jaylon Johnson (groin) were full participants-good news for a defense that will need all hands on deck against a physical Browns offense.
As always, Friday’s final practice and the subsequent injury report will offer more clarity, but for now, the Bears are cautiously optimistic about getting some key contributors back on the field. And if Odunze is one of them, it could give Chicago’s offense the spark it needs heading into a pivotal December matchup.