The Chicago Bears are playing it smart with Rome Odunze - and that’s exactly what they need to do.
Odunze has been the centerpiece of Chicago’s passing attack this season, leading the team with 44 catches, 661 yards, and six touchdowns. But after NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the rookie receiver is dealing with a fractured bone in his foot, the conversation has rightfully shifted from production to protection.
On Tuesday, David Haugh made it clear on 670 The Score: the Bears shouldn’t rush Odunze back just to prove how tough he is. “I don’t need to see him,” Haugh said. “If anything you want to commit to this weekend, it’s committing to finding ways schematically.”
And he’s not wrong. Odunze was sidelined in Week 14 after missing practice all week, and the Bears confirmed he wouldn’t suit up. Pelissero’s report added clarity to that decision, revealing the nature of the injury - and it’s the kind of injury that demands caution.
Dr. Jesse Morse, a sports medicine specialist, weighed in on social media, explaining that the typical recovery window for this type of foot fracture is about six weeks.
But more importantly, Morse emphasized the risk of aggravating the injury if Odunze returns too soon. A partial fracture can become a complete break, potentially requiring surgery and long-term rehab.
That’s a risk no team should take with a player who looks like a foundational piece of the offense.
If you’re the Bears, this is where coaching and depth come into play. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has earned a reputation for creative play design - now’s the time to lean into that.
DJ Moore remains a reliable WR1 option, and there’s room to expand the roles of Luther Burden and Olamide Zaccheaus. The Bears don’t lack talent at the skill positions.
They just need to reconfigure the offense while Odunze heals.
In the backfield, D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai continue to provide balance, and tight end Colston Loveland adds another layer of versatility. This isn’t a team that needs to press the panic button without its top receiver. In fact, they put up 21 points against Green Bay in Week 13 - without Odunze on the field.
Looking ahead, the Bears face a tough stretch: Cleveland comes to Soldier Field this Sunday, followed by road games at Green Bay and San Francisco, then a regular-season finale against division rival Detroit. That final game could have major playoff implications, and if Odunze is healthy by then, that’s when his return could be most impactful.
But the Bears have to think big picture. Odunze is more than a one-season weapon - he’s a long-term investment. Protecting him now ensures he’s available when it matters most - not just this year, but for years to come.
So while fans might want to see No. 1 back out there, the smarter move is the one the Bears made in Week 14: hold him out, let him heal, and trust the rest of the roster to step up.