Chicago Bears HC gives curious update on Rome Odunze

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Dec 23, 2025 3:36 PM ET

The Chicago Bears have been without Rome Odunze since Nov. 28, when the team defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-15 on the road.

Odunze suffered a foot injury during the win, which kept him ruled out for the Bears’ 28-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 14. Chicago made Odunze active in Week 16, but the second-year wide receiver aggravated the issue during warmups before the team beat the Cleveland Browns 31-3 on Dec. 14.

Last week, Bears head coach Ben Johnson suggested Odunze could be placed on injured reserve to get fully healthy. He missed the Bears’ 22-16 win over the Green Bay Packers in overtime on Saturday night.

Rome Odunze to play for Chicago Bears again this season

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

On Tuesday morning, Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times asked Johnson where Odunze was with his recovery. Johnson would not go into detail as to whether the receiver was running or on the bike yet, but said he was “rehabbing.”

Johnson said Odunze is on a path to return to the field, and confirmed he’d play at some point this season. However, it’s not clear if Odunze will return for any of the final two regular season games against the San Francisco 49ers this weekend, the Detroit Lions in Week 18, or the playoffs.

“We’ve been working through his rehab process,” Johnson said. “He’s right on track. He’s gonna be in a good spot… He’s gonna be able to help us this year.”

Odunze was the Bears’ leading receiver before the injury, recording 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns. Moore, the hero of Chicago’s win over the Packers on Saturday night, has now eclipsed Odunze with 48 receptions for 664 yards and six touchdowns.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: