During last year’s NFL playoffs, the Chicago Bears suffered a tough overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round, but it would be hard to classify last season as anything other than a success. Head coach Ben Johnson flipped the franchise’s outlook, and the offense looks like a force ready to take another step forward.
However, on Thursday, key offensive players D’Andre Swift and Rome Odunze picked up injuries in practice, and the NFL world reacted to the concerning news from Chicago.
Rome Odunze, D’Andre Swift Injuries Spark Reactions
Odunze and Swift are going to be major pieces for Chicago’s offense. Odunze is set to be the top receiver for star QB Caleb Williams alongside the dynamic Luther Burden III. Swift is the starting running back. Losing these two with Week 1 quickly approaching would be a major blow to the offense.
Swift reportedly left practice with “significant discomfort” in his midsection, while Odunze left with an apparent injury (but tried to return and is reportedly “all good”).
“Potentially (significant) injuries to both D’Andre Swift and Rome Odunze. Swift seemed to be holding his midsection, so it could be anything from getting wind knocked out of him to abdominal strain to (sports) hernia to a groin. Without video it’s hard to know. Reportedly Odunze tried to return to practice,” said doctor Jesse Morse on X.
Potentially (significant) injuries to both D’Andre Swift and Rome Odunze.
Swift seemed to be holding his midsection, so it could be anything from getting wind knocked out of him to abdominal strain to (sports) hernia to a groin. Without video it’s hard to know.
Reportedly… https://t.co/do4J1Gn8A7
— Jesse Morse, M.D. (@DrJesseMorse) September 3, 2026
The Bears are obviously hoping that these injuries are minor and won’t sideline either player for Week 1. Another doctor, Jeff Mueller, chimed in on X, as well.
“Rome Odunze injured, unknown severity. D’Andre Swift potentially the bigger concern, granted ‘significant discomfort’ visibly isn’t always a direct indicator of severity. Not great with 10 days until Week 1,” said Mueller.
PREDICT THE NFL SEASON: PFN’s Free NFL Playoff Predictor
Based on the reports right now, Odunze seems to be in a better spot than Swift because he tried to return to practice. If Swift is sidelined, the Bears could be in trouble since Kyle Monangai is dealing with his own injury issues, leaving Roschon Johnson as the likely backup who would have to step into the starter role if neither Swift nor Monangai play.
“From what I’ve read, Rome Odunze seems more fine than D’Andre Swift at the moment, but we should wait and see what the prognosis is. Roschon Johnson would profile as the RB1 with Kyle Monangai also ailing. Prayer circle – could be NBD,” said NFL analyst Zain Dhanani.
From what I’ve read, Rome Odunze seems more fine than D’Andre Swift at the moment, but we should wait and see what the prognosis is
Roschon Johnson would profile as the RB1 with Kyle Monangai also ailing
Prayer circle – could be NBD https://t.co/IsBaJce775
— Zain Dhanani (@DhananiZain) September 3, 2026
The Bears have a relatively tough game to start the season against the NFC South winners, the Carolina Panthers. Although the Bears are the favorites, it would become a much tougher outing if they are down two key starters.
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator
“Not what you want to hear/see 10 days before the season opener. 2 vital starters,” said Bears podcast host Harrison Graham.
Not what you want to hear/see 10 days before the season opener.
2 vital starters. https://t.co/Cwx7QuOejQ
— Harrison Graham (@HGrahamNFL) September 3, 2026
“These injuries have been brutal this year man,” added a Bears YouTuber.
Injuries suck, and teams are always hoping to avoid them. The last thing the Bears wanted was an injury, particulary with the regular season right around the corner.
Odunze was set to take over the WR1 role in 2026 with DJ Moore being dealt to the Buffalo Bills, but now, if Odunze can’t go, perhaps it’s time for the Burden breakout that many have predicted.
Swift and Odunze’s status will have Chicago panicking over the next week or so. More pressure will be on Williams, Burden, and Colston Loveland to carry the offensive burden if these two weapons aren’t available. The Bears are in for a wild 10 days, but it’s time for them to show why they have high expectations.
