The Bears will be without one of their key offensive weapons once again as they prepare for Saturday’s divisional clash with the Packers. Wide receiver Rome Odunze has officially been ruled out due to a lingering foot injury that’s kept him off the practice field all week.
It’s a tough blow for Chicago’s passing game. Odunze, in his second season, has emerged as a reliable target with 44 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 2025.
His combination of size, route-running, and red zone presence has made him a go-to option, especially in tight coverage situations. Without him, the Bears will need to lean more heavily on their depth at receiver-something that’s already being tested.
They’ll also be without another young wideout, Luther Burden, who’s sidelined with an ankle injury. Burden has shown flashes this season, and his absence further thins out a receiving corps that’s already missing its top playmaker. On the defensive side, linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga is out with a hamstring issue, taking away a key contributor on special teams and depth in the linebacker rotation.
The Bears’ injury report doesn’t stop there. Several starters are listed as questionable, including running back D’Andre Swift and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, both dealing with groin injuries.
Swift’s status will be one to watch closely-his ability to create explosive plays both as a runner and pass-catcher has added a dynamic element to the Bears' offense when healthy. Edmunds, meanwhile, anchors the middle of the defense, and his availability could be critical against a Packers offense that likes to attack between the hashes.
Defensive lineman Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is also questionable due to a personal matter, while tight end Cole Kmet is nursing both ankle and knee injuries. Kmet, however, told reporters Thursday that he expects to be on the field this weekend. That’s a significant boost if he can go-Kmet has been a security blanket for the Bears’ quarterbacks all season, especially in third-down and red zone situations.
There is some good news, though. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, defensive lineman Andrew Billings, and running back Travis Homer have all been cleared to play after dealing with various ailments. Bagent, in particular, gives the Bears some insurance at quarterback, while Billings’ return helps fortify the interior of the defensive line.
With a critical matchup looming against a division rival, the Bears are walking a fine line when it comes to health. The depth of this roster will be tested on both sides of the ball, and how Chicago adapts without key contributors like Odunze could go a long way in determining how this game-and potentially their season-shakes out.