Rome Odunze Injury: What His Potential Week 1 Absence Means for the Bears
When Bears fans heard the news that Odunze left practice last Thursday due to a foot injury, alarm bells went off. Odunze missed time last season with a foot fracture, and once he returned, the injury appeared to affect him throughout the season. On Tuesday, head coach Ben Johnson provided an update on Odunze, saying, "He is day-to-day with a foot injury, and he is hopeful that he can play on Sunday."
If Odunze misses the first game of the season, it will be an early test for Ben Johnson and his offense to prove that the Bears have enough talent to compensate for his absence.
The Bears Have Plenty of Other Weapons
Entering the season, Bears fans have been enthusiastic about the depth they have. Although it isn't ideal to test the depth this early, it was always a possibility. Odunze could end up on the injury report again.
The Bears also have some experience playing without Odunze. Last season, Chicago had to navigate multiple games without its first-round pick, and the offense still found ways to win games. Now, the Bears believe they have added even more talent around Caleb Williams.
Despite not being injury-prone in the past, many feared that the persistent foot issues he dealt with last season could carry into this season. Though Johnson said that wasn't the case, it's still not a good sign that he suffered a separate foot injury.
Beyond Odunze and Luther Burden, they have veteran Kalif Reymond, rookie Zavion Thomas and second-year receiver Jahdae Walker. Each backup option brings a different skillset to the team. Reymond brings veteran savvy, an understanding of Ben Johnson's offense, and speed. Thomas also brings lots of speed, while Walker possesses both speed and physicality.
If Odunze does miss the first game of the year, the player who might be able to make the biggest impact is Walker.
Jahdae Walker can solidify a WR3 if Odunze Misses Week 1
Jahdae Walker's rise to the Bears roster was truly remarkable. He entered training camp last year as an undrafted free agent and earned his spot on the roster. Many point to his game-winning catch in the third preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs as the reason he made the roster.
That said, he was making plays all throughout training camp last year and caught the coaches' eyes. Keeping him on the roster certainly paid off, as he made one of the two biggest catches of the year. He caught a touchdown in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers that ultimately helped the team come back and win.
While Walker didn't make as many headlines this year, reports were that he still had a solid camp. If Odunze is unable to go on Sunday, it gives Walker a chance to show he should be considered the WR3 over Reymond this season.
Given his previous flashes, it's not unreasonable to say that happens. If Walker is able to achieve this, not only will it be remarkable for his career, but it will help prove that Chicago has plenty of depth if a receiver goes down.
Walker Isn't the Only Player Who Needs to Step Up
Walker isn't the only player who would need to step up if Odunze misses time. More pressure will be put on Luther Burden and Colston Loveland.
Burden missed some of training camp with a groin injury. But when he was out there, he stood out. This is why many Bears fans expect big things from Burden, so if he is forced into the WR1 role in Week 1, it will be a big test.
Colston Loveland, on the other hand, is a different story. Loveland didn't miss any time during camp and was dominant. Every day, it seemed like he had multiple big plays. He even looked great in both joint practices.
If Odunze does miss time, it isn't unrealistic to think Caleb Williams will lean even more on Loveland than many expect.
Odunze's Injury Is Bigger Than Just Week 1
Odunze, potentially missing Week 1 with a foot injury, is bigger than just one game. He is entering his third season and needs to take a leap. The former top-10 pick has yet to have a breakout year and show why he was selected so high.
That's why another foot injury is concerning. If this unrelated injury keeps him out of Week 1, who knows what ramifications it could have for the rest of the season. That's not to say this foot injury will linger like the foot fracture did last year, but it could.
The Bears need to hope this is simply a minor setback and that Odunze can get back on the field without it becoming a recurring problem. Chicago needs him to be healthy, but if he does miss time, it gives the rest of the receiving room an opportunity to show that the Bears have enough talent to compensate for his absence.
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