The Chicago Bears made a flurry of roster moves on the eve of their Week 1 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, and the biggest takeaway may be what it says about Rome Odunze.
Chicago signed quarterback Miller Moss to the practice squad and then elevated both Moss and wide receiver Kaden Davis to the active roster. Defensive back Keidron Smith was released from the practice squad in the process.
With backup quarterback Tyson Bagent dealing with a back injury, the Moss move points toward him serving as QB3 while Bagent sits out inactive. Davis’ elevation carries its own ripple effect, and it may not be a good sign for Odunze.
Odunze is working through a calf injury that popped up last week before the Labor Day weekend break. He has been limited in practice all week, and Bears head coach Ben Johnson added fuel to the speculation with his “it's a long season,” remark, a line that suggested Chicago was at least considering holding Odunze out.
The possibility would mark another frustrating injury note for Odunze. Last year, he missed the final month of the 2025 regular season because of a foot injury that had lingered through much of the year. He did get back for the playoffs, but he was never 100% there.
That’s what makes this so tricky for Chicago. Odunze entered training camp feeling as healthy as he had in a while, and the expectation was that he could finally put together a 1,000-yard season and seize the WR1 role for good.
Instead, this could force the Bears to adjust right out of the gate. If Odunze is active, Davis’ elevation still hints that Chicago may be preparing to lean more on Kalif Raymond or Zavion Thomas. Davis can help on special teams, while Raymond and Thomas handle more of the offensive load.
The Bears would still have options if Odunze can’t go. They’d likely turn to Luther Burden III and Raymond as their top two receivers, with Colston Loveland also in position to be a major target for Caleb Williams.
It would be a different-looking offense than the one Chicago probably envisioned for Carolina, but not a short-handed one. The Bears still have young depth at receiver, a strong backfield and an offensive line capable of carrying plenty of weight.
Johnson’s “it's a long season,” line fits the moment for Odunze, and it also explains why the Bears may not feel compelled to force him onto the field. The inactive list should provide the final answer soon enough.
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