Rome Odunze addresses Bears’ injury situation

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Rome Odunze addresses Bears’ injury situation

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Aug 22, 2026 5:04 PM ET

Rome Odunze is set for a bigger role for the Chicago Bears in the upcoming season. With DJ Moore now with the Buffalo Bills, fans and analysts expect him to take on the WR1 role and play more snaps. He is also putting in even more work ahead of the campaign as Luther Burden III recovers from an injury.

Odunze finished 2025 with 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 regular-season games. He made it clear at training camp as he sees himself as the clear No. 1 wide receiver and is embracing the challenge. The Bears will rely heavily on him as they seek to surpass their achievements last year. They won the NFC North with an 11-6 record and reached the Divisional Round before losing 20-17 to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) leaves the field following a game against the Green Bay Packers in an NFC Wild Card Round.

Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze opens up on Luther Burden III’s injury

Odunze expressed optimism about Burden’s recovery and looks forward to his return. He also discussed what the second-year wideout brings to the table and Chicago is missing without him.

“The excitement that (Burden) brings to the game,” Odunze said. “Trying to choke people out, all that. We definitely miss Lu out there. I know his recovery is going well, so excited to get him back out there.”

Burden sustained a groin injury during training camp on Aug. 8. However, he could see action again as early as the team’s regular-season opener on Sept. 13 against the Carolina Panthers. The 22-year-old recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games, including five starts.

Having Odunze and Burden playing opposite each other would give Caleb Williams more targets he can choose to target. The young wide receiver duo will play significant roles in 2026, as the Bears want to continue silencing thior critics. They face the league’s toughest schedule but Odunze and Co. will attack it head-on.

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

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