The Chicago Bears appeared to be turning a corner on the injury front when defensive end Austin Booker returned to the practice field. That modest progress on defense was quickly overshadowed Thursday when two important pieces of the offense left practice early and did not return.
Wide receiver Rome Odunze and running back D’Andre Swift both departed the final padded session of the preseason with apparent injuries, via Bears insider Adam Hoge.
Reports from the sideline indicated Odunze began favoring his right foot during an early walk-through period and was pulled after trainers intervened. He had attempted to keep working but was ultimately sent inside.
The timing is notable because Odunze dealt with a left-foot issue last season that limited him late in the year. This latest problem involves the opposite foot, which at least suggests it is a separate matter rather than a flare-up of the old stress fracture.
Swift’s exit came later. During a team period near the end of practice he took a carry from the offense’s own 1-yard line and immediately grabbed at his midsection. He walked off in visible discomfort and headed toward the indoor facility, where he remained out of sight.
Physical therapists watching the reports have flagged the core and abdomen area as a potential concern given how closely those muscles connect to the groin, a region where Swift has a documented history. No official diagnosis had been released by late Thursday, leaving the organization and fans in a familiar holding pattern.
The running-back room already looked thin. Kyle Monangai, expected to share the workload, has not practiced because of a knee injury and was described as week-to-week earlier in camp.
Should both Swift and Monangai miss the Sept. 13 opener against Carolina, the Bears would be left with Roschon Johnson as the only healthy running back on the 53-man roster. Practice-squad options such as Salvon Ahmed and Zavier Scott could be elevated, but neither has been part of the regular rotation.
On the perimeter the picture is only slightly better. Luther Burden continues to work his way back from a groin problem, meaning Odunze’s availability carries extra weight.
Quarterback Caleb Williams has shown chemistry with Odunze throughout camp; losing that connection, even for a week or two, would force more snaps toward tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet and the remaining wideouts.
Head coach Ben Johnson and the medical staff now have 10 days to sort through imaging and treatment plans.
The hope around Halas Hall is that both issues prove minor and both players can be ready for the regular-season kickoff. Until then, the Bears must prepare as if their offensive depth chart just got shorter at the two positions they can least afford to lose.
