After Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze was forced to miss five games in 2025 with a stress fracture in his foot, the former Washington Huskies superstar and No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft has popped up on the injury report again ahead of the team's season opener against the Carolina Panthers.
While he's dealing with another foot injury, head coach Ben Johnson stated that it's not related to the issue that sidelined the 2023 Consensus All-American.
“I don’t believe he’ll be out there today, but we’re hopeful he’ll be out there on Sunday,” Johnson said during a press conference on Tuesday, adding that Odunze is day-to-day. He was listed on Wednesday's injury report as a limited participant in practice, which is an estimation, as the Bears
didn't go through a workout.
#Bears Injury Report
— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) September 9, 2026
The Chicago Bears did not practice on Wednesday, participation is an estimation. pic.twitter.com/B2LGzEsOXX
The issue first popped up in practice on Thursday, September 3, when Odunze was forced to leave practice early with the injury.
As Johnson looks ahead to his second season, Odunze is expected to be a key piece of his offense after establishing strong chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams across their first two seasons in the NFL together, and to lead a group of promising young pass catchers that also includes wide receiver Luther Burden and tight end Colston Loveland.
Across his first two years in the league, Odunze has played in 20 games and compiled 98 catches for 1,395 yards and 9 touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Former Washington football star WR dealing with foot injury
