Rome Odunze’s Injury Sheds Light on Recent Dip in Production - and What’s Next for the Bears
For the first half of the 2025 season, Rome Odunze looked every bit like the rising star the Bears hoped they were getting when they drafted him. Through seven games, the rookie wideout racked up 473 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing the size, speed, and route-running polish that made him one of the most pro-ready receivers in his class. He wasn’t just producing - he was doing it with consistency and flair, quickly becoming a go-to target for Caleb Williams in Chicago’s evolving offense.
Then, the momentum stalled.
Over his last five games, Odunze has managed just 188 receiving yards and one touchdown. And while the targets remained - Williams never stopped looking his way - the production didn’t.
Routes weren’t as crisp. Explosiveness off the line wasn’t quite there.
At first glance, it looked like a rookie hitting the proverbial wall.
Now we know it was something more.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Odunze has been playing through a stress fracture in his foot - an injury that’s been lingering for some time. The Bears have officially ruled him out for Sunday’s divisional clash with Green Bay, and he’s now considered week-to-week.
That changes the narrative.
This wasn’t a case of a young player losing confidence or falling out of rhythm. This was a player gutting through a painful injury, trying to contribute while clearly not operating at full capacity. And that context matters - both in evaluating his recent dip and in projecting how the Bears handle his situation moving forward.
There’s no definitive word on when the injury occurred, but Bears insider Adam Hoge pointed to noticeable changes in Odunze’s route sharpness around the time of the Cincinnati game. That would place the likely onset of the injury either during that game or the week prior in Baltimore. Either way, it’s remarkable - and telling - that Odunze continued to suit up and compete for over a month despite the pain.
That toughness is admirable. But now comes the hard part: making the right call for his health and the team’s future.
The Bears are in a delicate spot. Odunze is a key piece of their offensive puzzle - a big-bodied target who complements D.J.
Moore’s versatility and Luther Burden’s explosiveness. But stress fractures don’t just go away with a little tape and adrenaline.
They need rest. And if pushed too hard, too soon, they can linger - or worsen.
So the Bears are facing a decision with two clear paths: shut Odunze down for a couple of weeks and reassess, or place him on Injured Reserve and give him a full month to recover. The former keeps the door open for a quicker return, but carries some risk. The latter prioritizes long-term health but takes one of their most dynamic weapons off the field during a critical stretch.
Chicago has weathered injuries before. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has shown flexibility in adjusting the scheme when key players go down.
With Odunze sidelined, expect the Bears to lean more heavily on Moore, Burden, and tight end Colston Loveland. It won’t be the same - Odunze brings a unique blend of size and body control that’s hard to replicate - but it’s not a barren cupboard, either.
Still, if the Bears are serious about making a playoff push, getting a healthy Odunze back in January could be a game-changer. He’s the kind of player who can tilt matchups, especially in high-stakes situations where every possession counts.
For now, the focus has to be on recovery. The Bears know what they have in Odunze - a tough, talented receiver who’s already proven he can produce at this level.
They also know that protecting his future is just as important as chasing wins in the present. And given how he’s battled through this injury already, he’s more than earned the time to heal.
The Bears will adjust. The offense will evolve. But getting No. 1 back at full strength - whenever that may be - remains a priority.