Packers Catch a Break as Bears Rule Out Top Receivers Ahead of NFC North Clash
The Green Bay Packers haven’t exactly been on the right side of the injury bug this season. Week after week, it’s been about patching holes and finding ways to survive. But heading into their rematch with the Chicago Bears, the tide may finally be turning in their favor-at least a little.
On Thursday, the Bears officially ruled out two of their top wide receivers: Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. And for a Packers defense that’s already missing key disruptors like Devonte Wyatt and Micah Parsons, this couldn’t come at a better time. The question now becomes: can Green Bay capitalize?
No Odunze, No Burden - Big Opportunity
Odunze will miss his third straight game with a lingering foot injury. He first went down in the Week 14 matchup at Lambeau and attempted to test things out last week against the Browns, only to aggravate the injury during pregame warmups.
Burden, meanwhile, exited that same Cleveland game after suffering an ankle injury. Before he was carted off, he had already racked up six catches for 84 yards-leading the team in both categories that day.
With both Odunze and Burden sidelined, the Bears’ passing game takes a serious hit. Odunze has quickly become one of Caleb Williams’ most trusted targets, while Burden has stepped up in his absence, becoming a go-to option and a reliable YAC (yards after catch) threat. Losing both in the same week is a gut punch for Chicago’s offensive rhythm.
Next Man Up: Unproven Options Step In
With the top two wideouts out, the Bears will turn to a cast of lesser-used receivers, including return man Devin Duvernay and rookie Jahdae Walker.
Duvernay has just two catches all season-one of them came against the Packers in Week 14 for 24 yards. Walker, an undrafted free agent from this year’s class, has seen limited action. He’s played in seven games, mostly on special teams, logging just eight offensive snaps and still awaiting his first career reception.
That’s who the Bears will be leaning on in a game with serious NFC North implications.
What This Means for Green Bay’s Defense
Let’s be clear: even without Odunze and Burden, the Bears still have weapons. D.J.
Moore is a legitimate WR1, and tight ends Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland can both move the chains. But with two key receivers out, Green Bay’s defense can afford to shift its focus.
The Bears’ offensive identity this season has been built around the run game. They currently boast the second-best rushing attack in the league, averaging 151.9 yards per game.
In their last meeting with the Packers, they ran for 138 yards on 32 carries-good for a 4.3 yards-per-carry clip. That’s the formula they want: run the ball, control the clock, and keep pressure off their rookie quarterback.
But Green Bay might finally have the personnel advantage to flip that script.
The Packers have been strong against the run this year, ranking eighth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (100.5). Of course, that was with Micah Parsons wreaking havoc in the front seven. Parsons’ absence changes the dynamic, but it doesn’t eliminate the Packers' ability to stop the run-it just means they’ll need to do it differently.
Stack the Box, Trust the Secondary
The obvious adjustment? Load up the box.
Commit extra defenders to the line of scrimmage and dare the Bears to beat you through the air with backup receivers. The risk, of course, is getting burned over the top-but with Odunze and Burden out, that risk is significantly lower.
That allows defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to get creative. Expect to see more of Isaiah McDuffie and Xavier McKinney creeping up toward the line, helping to fill run gaps and force Chicago into third-and-long situations. And if the Packers can consistently get the Bears off schedule, even a depleted pass rush could find ways to pressure Williams.
That’s where things get really interesting.
Caleb Williams Still Struggling with Efficiency
Williams, for all his talent, is still finding his footing at the NFL level. He currently ranks dead last in the league in completion percentage.
That stat alone underscores just how important the run game is to Chicago’s offensive success. The more the Bears are forced to throw, the more likely it is that Williams will make mistakes-especially if he’s under pressure and working with unproven receivers.
And let’s not forget: the Bears’ passing attack has leaned heavily on yards after the catch. Williams is averaging 11.8 yards per completion, which sounds great-until you realize only 5.9 of those are air yards.
The rest? That’s YAC, and Burden III has been the engine behind a lot of it.
In fact, 76% of Burden’s catches this season have gone for 13.3 yards per reception, with 7.1 of those yards coming after the catch. Since early November, he’s been one of the most-targeted receivers in football, averaging five targets per game. That’s a lot of production suddenly missing from the lineup.
A Chance to Control the Division
With both Odunze and Burden out, the Bears are essentially losing their best deep threat and their most dangerous YAC option. That puts the onus on Chicago’s coaching staff to rework their offensive approach-likely leaning even more on the run and short passing game.
And that’s exactly what the Packers should want.
If Green Bay can commit extra bodies to the box and trust cornerbacks like Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine to hold their own in single coverage against Duvernay and Walker, they’ll be in great shape. That frees up the defense to focus on stopping D’Andre Swift and the Bears’ ground game, forcing Williams to win with his arm-and with a limited supporting cast.
If the Packers execute that plan, they won’t just walk away with a win-they could walk away in firm control of the NFC North.