The Chicago Bears are heading into their Week 16 clash with the Green Bay Packers with some serious questions at wide receiver - and the timing couldn’t be more critical. With the NFC North title and a playoff berth on the line, Chicago’s depth at the position is being tested at exactly the wrong time.
Injury concerns pile up at wide receiver
The Bears have been without rookie standout Rome Odunze for the past two games as he continues to recover from a foot injury. Now, they’re dealing with another blow: Luther Burden III, who exited the Week 15 win over the Browns with an ankle issue. Head coach Ben Johnson addressed Burden’s status, offering a cautious update.
“His ankle is something we’re working through and talking about,” Johnson said. “We’ll see how this week goes in terms of whether we will have him available Saturday night or not, but it’s more of a day-by-day type of deal with him.”
Translation: it’s far from a sure thing that Burden will be on the field against Green Bay. And with Odunze’s status still uncertain, the Bears could be without two of their top three receivers in one of the biggest games of the season.
DJ Moore steps into the spotlight
That brings us to DJ Moore - a veteran who suddenly finds himself in position to be the guy for Caleb Williams and the Bears' passing attack. And if last week was any indication, Moore may be ready to rise to the occasion.
Against Cleveland, Moore delivered one of his most impactful performances of the season, hauling in four catches for 69 yards and two touchdowns. One of those scores came on a highlight-reel 22-yard dart from Williams into tight coverage - a throw that showed off the rookie quarterback’s arm talent, and a catch that reminded everyone of Moore’s ability to make plays in traffic.
It’s been a relatively quiet year for Moore in terms of volume - just 43 receptions for 567 yards and five touchdowns - but the production is starting to trend up. In the last two games, with Odunze sidelined, Moore has caught 10 passes and clearly developed a stronger rhythm with Williams.
Next man up: Olamide Zaccheaus
If both Odunze and Burden are unavailable, expect Olamide Zaccheaus to see a bump in playing time alongside Moore. Zaccheaus brings speed and experience, and while he hasn’t been a major focal point this season, he’s capable of stepping in and contributing when called upon.
The good news for Chicago? Williams still has options.
Moore is a proven playmaker, Zaccheaus can stretch the field, and the Bears have shown they’re willing to get creative with their offensive sets. But make no mistake - this is shaping up to be DJ Moore’s moment.
A statement opportunity
This isn’t just another regular-season game. This is Bears-Packers, with the division on the line and the postseason within reach for the first time in five years. If Moore is going to have a breakout performance this season, there may not be a better stage than Lambeau Field on a Saturday night in December.
The Bears need someone to step up. DJ Moore looks ready to answer that call.