Chicago Bears fans holding their breath over Rome Odunze’s status for Week 9 can finally exhale. After a brief injury scare, the team’s breakout star appears ready to play, but what does his return mean for a struggling team desperate for a win?
Will a Minor Injury Derail Rome Odunze’s Breakout Season?
According to Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze will be “good to go” on Sunday. This development is great news for Bears fans, as the team tries to generate some momentum, any momentum, in what has been a disappointing 2025-26 campaign so far.
The second-year receiver appeared on Wednesday’s injury report with a heel injury but was upgraded to limited participation on Thursday. This progression sets up his expected full participation against the Cincinnati Bengals.
After a quiet rookie season, the 2024 first-round pick has completely transformed his game, establishing himself as quarterback Caleb Williams’ most reliable target through seven games. Odunze has posted 31 receptions for 473 yards and five touchdowns, already surpassing his entire rookie touchdown total of three scores.
His emergence as the Bears’ primary offensive weapon has been one of the few bright spots this year in Chicago. Odunze’s 114-yard performance against Baltimore in Week 8 marked his second 100-yard game of the season.
More impressively, he now leads the entire Bears offense in targets, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions, solidifying himself as Williams’ go-to option in the red zone.
Why Is This a Favorable Matchup for the Bears?
Perhaps calling the ailment an “injury” is too strong; let’s say it was an “issue” instead. The heel issue that prompted Wednesday’s absence can be viewed as a precautionary measure rather than a serious concern. Odunze played last week without incident, and the Bears simply chose not to risk aggravating a minor problem by pushing him through practice.
Odunze’s good-to-go news comes as a huge sigh of relief for fantasy owners eyeing a juicy matchup against a generous Bengals defense. Cincinnati has struggled mightily against opposing passing attacks this season. With Odunze established as the clear WR1, he’s a must-start player in what could develop into a high-scoring affair. Simply put, this is the game fantasy owners drafted Odunze for.
His tasty matchup against the Bengals’ sieve-like passing defense bodes well for Bears fans hungry for wins. This Sunday’s game creates an ideal scenario for Caleb Williams and Odunze to go carving. Odunze’s route-running precision and ability to win contested catches have made him a fan favorite and a reliable Monster of the Midway. With veteran DJ Moore also returning to practice this week, it’s time for the offense to take flight.