Despite their record of 5-12 last season, the Chicago Bears have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL this year. The team currently has a record of 9-4 and is the seventh seed in the NFC playoff picture headed into Week 15.
The addition of offensive-minded Ben Johnson as the team’s head coach has improved the offensive side of the football. One player who is benefiting from Johnson’s addition is sophomore wide receiver Rome Odunze. However, Odunze is on the injury report for this week’s game against the Cleveland Browns, leaving his availability in question.
Will Rome Odunze Play Against the Cleveland Browns?
Odunze was first placed on the injury report during Week 14 with a foot injury. He recorded three DNP’s last week and was out for the team’s 28-21 loss against the Green Bay Packers. On this week’s injury report, there is more optimism regarding his availability, as the receiver has been a limited participant in all three days of practice.
Bears reporter and senior writer posted, “Tyrique Stevenson was a full participant at practice today and has the green light for Sunday. Rome Odunze (limited) is listed as questionable. In all, a pretty clean injury report with only Gordon and Homer OUT.”
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With the questionable designation and considering Odunze was limited all week, there is a good chance that he’ll play against the Browns. Barring any last-minute setbacks, such as tweaking his foot in pregame warmups, Odunze should play in Week 15.
On Saturday, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler also provided a positive update on Odunze. “The Bears are optimistic about wide receiver Rome Odunze (questionable, foot) playing Sunday vs Cleveland, per sources,” he wrote on X.
Last season, Odunze finished as the 57th-ranked wide receiver in PFSN’s WRi. In 17 games, he caught 54 passes on 101 targets for 734 yards and three touchdowns. This season, he’s on track to beat those numbers. This year, he ranks 37th in PFSN’s WRi, and in 12 games, he’s caught 44 passes on 90 targets for 661 yards and six touchdowns.
If Odunze doesn’t play, the team will rely on receivers D.J. Moore, Luther Burden III, Olamide Zaccheaus, Devin Duvernay, and Jahdae Walker. Additionally, the team has solid tight ends, including 2025 NFL Draft Pick Colston Loveland, who was selected with the 10th overall pick out of the University of Michigan, and veteran tight end Cole Kmet. There is no lack of weapons for Caleb Williams in Johnson’s creative offense.