Bears Hopeful Rome Odunze Will Play Week 1

Bears WR Rome Odunze is dealing with a foot injury ahead of Week 1, but HC Ben Johnson remains hopeful he’ll be ready to play Sunday against the Panthers.

Odunze will not practice Tuesday after leaving last Thursday’s practice early with the injury.

“I don’t believe he’ll be out there today, but we’re hopeful he’ll be out there on Sunday,” Johnson said.

Johnson said Odunze is “more day-to-day right now” and clarified that the injury is different from the foot issue that bothered him last season.

Odunze missed 5 games in 2025 while dealing with the previous injury but still recorded 44 receptions for 661 yards and 6 touchdowns. He added 4 catches for 88 yards during Chicago’s two postseason games.

The Bears will release their first official injury report of the season Wednesday, which should provide another update on Odunze’s status.