Odunze sustains apparent leg injury in Bears practice
Odunze sustains apparent leg injury in Bears practice
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Coach Ben Johnson publicly dubbed Odunze 'Mr. Consistency' and highlighted a joint-practice highlight of him cracking a safety, underscoring his health status and reliability.
2
Kalif Raymond, Zavion Thomas, and Jahdae Walker are listed as the next in line behind Odunze on the Bears' depth chart, signaling rotation options behind the primary receiver.
3
Luther Burden III has a groin strain during training camp and is aiming to be ready for the Week 1 season opener against the Carolina Panthers.
4
Odunze suffered a left-foot stress fracture that sidelined the final five games of the regular season, but he returned for the Bears’ postseason.
5
Odunze posted 48 receptions for 749 yards and 6 touchdowns on 102 targets across 14 appearances (including playoffs) last season, underscoring his role if healthy.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze left practice Thursday with an apparent right leg or foot injury. Kansas.com reported that Odunze walked off the field during the session, joining running back D'Andre Swift in exiting early with injury concerns as the team prepares for its September 13 season opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Odunze was tabbed by coach Ben Johnson as 'Mr. Consistency' heading into training camp. The second-year receiver caught 48 passes for 749 yards and 6 touchdowns last season despite missing the final five regular-season games with a left-foot stress fracture. He returned for the playoffs, signaling durability when healthy.
Injury Compounds Uncertainty at Wide Receiver
The leg injury is separate from Odunze's prior foot issue that limited him late last season. Freedom 96.9 confirmed that both Odunze and Luther Burden III dealt with health setbacks during training camp. Burden is nursing a groin strain but is expected to be ready for Week 1. The Bears must finalize their depth chart with several receivers vying for targets.
Kalif Raymond, Zavion Thomas, and Jahdae Walker sit behind Odunze on the depth chart as rotation options. Coach Johnson has emphasized spreading targets among his receivers to keep everyone involved in the offense. If Odunze's injury sidelines him, the Bears would lean on these backups alongside Burden to lead the passing game.
Odunze's Track Record of Bouncing Back
Last season, Odunze's stress fracture forced him to miss five late-season games but did not sideline him for the playoffs. The Bears viewed his postseason return as proof that he can overcome injury setbacks and remain effective. Star-Telegram noted that Odunze walked off Thursday's practice, suggesting the injury may not be severe enough to require immediate hospitalization.
Odunze has demonstrated the blocking skills and toughness that coach Johnson values in his receivers. During a joint practice earlier in camp, Odunze cracked a safety in the run game, earning praise from the coaching staff. If the Thursday injury is minor, he could return within days.
Swift Also Exits; Bears Monitor Multiple Stars
Running back D'Andre Swift exited practice late Thursday alongside Odunze, adding to the Bears' injury concerns. Fresno Bee reported that Swift held his leg as he left the field. The team did not immediately disclose the severity of his injury or expected timeline for his return.
The Bears' Week 1 kickoff is less than a week away. Both Odunze and Swift are core offensive weapons that Chicago relies on. The team's training staff will likely provide updates on their status within 24 hours, as Chicago determines who will be ready for the season opener in Charlotte.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
12
Articles
119
Reach
131
A
AnonymousAuthor
