Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (5) runs with the ball as Chicago Bears defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (55) chases in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears pass rusher exits locker room in crutches days before trade deadline

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Nov 2, 2025 10:49 PM ET

The Chicago Bears entered the regular season knowing that the pass rush was the most glaring weakness on the defense.

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Still, the Bears made no effort to seriously boost the defensive end position after training camp. The belief at the time was that Chicago wanted to wait for Austin Booker to return from injured reserve, but he made just his first appearance of the season against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Booker earned a sack in the Bears’ 47-42 win over the Bengals on Sunday. However, Chicago has a new worry at defensive end amid a 5-3 record before Tuesday’s trade deadline.

The Chicago Bears have a concerning injury

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Per Chris Emma of 670 The Score, defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo left Chicago’s locker room on crutches.

“Dayo Odeyingbo (ankle) left the Bears’ locker room with a significant brace and on crutches,” Emma posted on X. “Expect more clarity on his status this week, but it seems to be a looming absence for this defense.”

Dayo Odeyingbo (ankle) left the Bears’ locker room with a significant brace and on crutches. Expect more clarity on his status this week, but it seems to be a looming absence for this defense.

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) November 3, 2025

Dayo Odeyingbo was already struggling in 2025

NFL: Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against Chicago Bears defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Odeyingbo recorded 21 tackles and one sack through his first eight games in Chicago. The Bears signed him to a three-year, $48 million deal in March. However, he’s struggled to live up to the hype as a pass rusher.

Entering Sunday’s game, the Bears had 14 sacks. Chicago sacked Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco three times for 21 yards, bringing their total on the season to 17.

With Odeyingbo likely to miss time and Dominique Robinson dealing with a high-ankle sprain, Chicago should look for a pass rusher before the trade deadline.

The Bears are squarely in the hunt for a playoff spot under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. However, Chicago’s defense needs a better pass rusher if they want to be a contender in the playoffs.

While the offense did enough to win on Sunday, Chicago isn’t going to win big games in January if the defense is giving up 42 points a contest.

NFL: London Games Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) leaves the field after an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images

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

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