The Chicago Bears received some good news on the health front regarding wide receiver Rome Odunze.
Odunze is listed as questionable for Sunday’s Week 18 matchup against the Detroit Lions after practicing (albeit in a limited capacity) on Friday. The second-year wideout hasn’t played since Nov. 28 when the Bears clipped the Philadelphia Eagles with a win on Black Friday. Odunze missed the team’s following game against the Green Bay Packers due to a foot injury. And while he was active and okayed to play the next game against the Cleveland Browns, Odunze reaggravated the injury in pre-game warmups and has been unavailable since. So to see Rome Odunze get upgraded on the Friday injury report was an encouraging sign. But will he play?
Well, it’s complicated:
Bears WR Rome Odunze is noncommittal on a return, even for next week. Says the target for a return has moved a couple times. Focused on rehab and trying to get back.
— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) January 2, 2026Odunze said he felt “pretty good” at practice today (limited) and would like to play Sunday vs. Lions if possible. He won’t sit just for rest’s sake.
— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) January 2, 2026Rome Odunze says he wants to play Sunday against Detroit, but he’ll listen to whatever the training staff tells him.
— Sean Hammond (@seanhammond.bsky.social) January 2, 2026 at 1:41 PMRome Odunze on the possibility of needing surgery for his foot and his perspective about playing against the Lions on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/guHvmaHxJM
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) January 2, 2026Rome Odunze injury watch
On the one hand, I am looking forward to Rome Odunze’s return to the playing surface. The connection he has with quarterback Caleb Williams is unique, so I expect the two to link up early and often whenever the University of Washington product gets back into the swing of things. But on the other hand, I’d hate it if Odunze were to reaggravate the injury (again) ahead of Sunday’s Week 18 showdown against the Lions.
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For what it’s worth, the Bears healthy wideouts have been able to successfully pick up the slack in Odunze’s absence. However, I’d like a fully healthy roster going into the playoffs. And if Odunze has to miss a regular season game in order for that to happen, then just know I’m not wholly against going down that road. Then again, I would be OK with Rome Odunze playing if he receives medical clearance to do so. It might even make sense to give him some run just so he doesn’t go into a playoff game after (at least) a 44-day layoff.
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The way I see it: If Rome Odunze can work off some rust on Sunday against the Lions, then perhaps that would set him up to be a full go against whichever team lines up on the opposite sideline on wild-card weekend at Soldier Field. As far as I’m concerned, Odunze’s health for the playoffs takes priority over whatever he can bring to the table on Sunday against the Lions. Chicago’s offense just went bonkers in San Francisco on Sunday Night Football. I think it can survive without Odunze for one more game.
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In the end, I think the Bears ultimately have a plan for how they will bring Odunze along in Week 18. His return to the lineup could very well be a game time decision. Whatever it is, I hope it is a decision that is made by people smarter than me. Because Odunze is a key cog who helps makes this offense go. I’d hate to lose him for the playoffs because he was rushed back into the lineup.
Rome Odunze runs after making a catch at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesHence then, the article about rome odunze wants to play on sunday but was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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