Chicago Bears make rookie WR inactive against Packers

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jan 10, 2026 8:52 PM ET

On Saturday, the Chicago Bears revealed positive injury news before taking on the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round at Soldier Field.

Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon is set to make his return to the field for the first time since he suffered a groin injury against the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday. Gordon could be key to helping defensive coordinator Dennis Allen boost the pass rush against Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love.

Second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze will also make his return against the Packers. He was the Bears’ leading receiver with 661 yards and six touchdowns before suffering a foot injury against the Eagles.

With Odunze back, Chicago made rookie wide receiver Jahdae Walker inactive against the Packers for Saturday night.

Quarterback Case Keenum, cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson, linebacker Ruben Hyppolite, defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, and offensive lineman Luke Newman were also made inactive.

Inactives for #GBvsCHI: pic.twitter.com/4aD2cJiGrv

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 10, 2026

Chicago Bears WR Jahdae Walker has played well recently

NFL: Chicago Bears Training Camp Chicago Bears wide receiver Jahdae Walker (20) catches the ball during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Walker has been a key target for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams amid injuries to Odunze and rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III in the back half of the season.

The undrafted rookie free agent out of Texas A&M has appeared in nine games, recording six receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns.

During the Bears’ 22-16 win in overtime, Walker caught two passes for 21 yards, including a six-yard game-tying touchdown to send the contest into overtime. He caught three passes for 36 yards and a touchdown in Chicago’s 19-16 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 18.

While Walker has shown improvement during the regular season, the Bears have decided to keep him sidelined for their first game in the postseason.

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

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