Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze did not practice Monday as the team opened preparations for Sunday’s season opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Odunze left Thursday’s workout early with what appeared to be a right leg injury. He came up hobbling during an install period near the start of practice, tried to stay on the field, and was then pulled by trainers.
Chicago Tribune reporter Sean Hammond wrote that Odunze “came up hobbling during an install period at the start of practice” and “wasn’t overly concerned.”
Later that day, Dan Wiederer of The Athletic reported the early belief around the team was that Odunze “should be all good” after the scare.
Monday’s session was a light, 40-minute practice. Running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai both worked. Defensive end Austin Booker was also on the field. Odunze was not.
Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic posted: “Bears RBs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai were at practice today. DE Austin Booker practiced as well. No sign of WR Rome Odunze. Just a 40-minute practice to kick off Week 1.”
Swift had left Thursday’s practice with what was described as a cramp and was able to return. Monangai practiced after missing most of the last month with a hyperextended knee. That made Odunze’s absence the one that stood out.
The timing is what makes this more than a routine rest day. The Bears play at Carolina on Sunday. Odunze is expected to take on a larger role after Chicago traded veteran receiver DJ Moore during the offseason.
Last season Odunze finished with 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns. A left foot injury that included a stress fracture limited him to 12 regular-season games and kept him out of the final five. He returned for the playoffs.
Reports this week have noted the new issue is on the opposite side of his body from last year’s foot problem.
The Bears have options if Odunze cannot play or is limited. Second-year receiver Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland could see more targets. Veteran Kalif Raymond and rookie Zavion Thomas would also be in line for extra snaps.
Chicago will release its first official injury report of the season on Wednesday. Head coach Ben Johnson is scheduled to speak with reporters Tuesday.
There is still no reason to assume Odunze will miss the opener. Teams often hold players out of the first practice of game week after a midweek injury scare rather than risk making something minor worse.
At the same time, a player who left Thursday and then sat out Monday is going to be watched closely until more information is available.
Odunze, the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft out of Washington, had a strong training camp after working through last year’s foot issues. The Bears have spent months talking about what the offense could look like with him healthy and featured next to Caleb Williams.
Monday’s practice put that conversation on pause, at least until Wednesday’s report or Johnson’s comments the day before.
