The Bears are heading into their primetime showdown against the 49ers with some key questions on the injury front - and a few definitive answers.
Let’s start with cornerback Nahshon Wright. He didn’t practice Friday, and his status for Sunday night remains up in the air.
Wright is dealing with a hamstring issue and an illness that limited him earlier in the week before sidelining him completely for the final practice. He’s officially listed as questionable, and the team will wait until closer to kickoff to make a call.
On the offensive side, the Bears will once again be without rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze. He’s been ruled out with a foot injury, marking the fourth straight game he’ll miss.
That’s a significant loss for a Bears offense that’s been trying to find rhythm down the stretch. The good news?
Head coach Ben Johnson said earlier this week that he expects Odunze to return before the season’s over - a potential boost if the Bears can extend their run into January.
And that’s where things get interesting. A win over the 49ers not only keeps the Bears in strong playoff position - it guarantees them at least one home game in the postseason. Add to that the fact that a Packers loss to the Ravens on Saturday would clinch the NFC North for Chicago, and this weekend suddenly takes on massive implications.
The injury report doesn’t stop with Wright and Odunze. Cornerback Nick McCloud has been ruled out due to illness.
Meanwhile, four other players are officially questionable: defensive back Josh Blackwell (illness), linebacker T.J. Edwards (glute), safety C.J.
Gardner-Johnson (knee), and offensive lineman Luke Newman (foot). Each of those names carries weight, especially Edwards and Gardner-Johnson, who have been key pieces on defense throughout the season.
Bottom line: The Bears are banged up, but they’re also in control of their own destiny. Sunday night’s matchup with San Francisco won’t just be a test of talent - it’ll be a test of depth, resilience, and postseason readiness.