Rome Odunze entered the 2025 season with expectations of a breakout year. The Chicago Bears lost Keenan Allen in free agency, and Odunze, a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, was expected to increase his production with an expanded role.
However, the Bears were also fortunate in this year’s draft. Luther Burden fell to them in the second round and has become an important contributor alongside Odunze in the offense. Now, the second-year receiver could miss Chicago’s most important regular-season game.
Will Rome Odunze Return Against the Green Bay Packers?
The young receiver missed Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns with a foot injury. With the Bears scheduled to play the Green Bay Packers on Saturday in Week 16, Odunze will have less time to recover, and early indications are not encouraging.
The Bears held a walkthrough on Tuesday, releasing an estimated practice report rather than conducting a full workout. Odunze was listed as Did Not Participate (DNP), which is not a positive sign for his availability on Saturday.
The Bears listed WRs Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden III (ankle) as non-participants on today’s estimated injury report. They play Saturday vs. Green Bay.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 16, 2025
Odunze’s absence was already a concern for the Bears. A potential absence for Burden could create even bigger issues for the passing attack. Both receivers are key targets for Caleb Williams, and Odunze, while not producing eye-popping numbers, still leads the team in receiving yards, ahead of D.J. Moore.
Williams has thrown for 3,150 yards this season. He needs 850 yards over the final three games to become the first Chicago Bears quarterback to pass for 4,000 yards in a single season. He is averaging 225 yards per game and will need to increase that pace to reach the milestone.
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The passing offense has found new life with Ben Johnson calling plays, and he has also helped spark a cultural shift in the locker room. Through 15 weeks, the Bears have already doubled their win total from last season, and a playoff berth could be clinched this week depending on other results.
Odunze, who carries an impact score of 76.5 in the PFSN WR Impact metric, has the potential to become Chicago’s long-term No. 1 wide receiver. While his breakout has yet to fully materialize, he remains an impactful player, and the Bears would face a significant challenge throwing the ball Saturday if he is sidelined.
