Rome Odunze Expects to Play in Bears Season Opener

Odunze Plans to Play

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze is confident he will be on the field for Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers. Despite being listed as questionable on the final injury report, Odunze expects to play.

"I'm feeling ready to go," Odunze said on Friday. He added that he felt pretty good and planned on playing.

Odunze strained his right calf during practice on September 3. The injury forced him to leave the session early and miss practices on Monday and Tuesday. He blamed muscle fatigue from more than six weeks of training camp for the strain. He returned to practice on Thursday and was a limited participant for two straight days.

Team Caution and Injury History

Bears coach Ben Johnson said the team is hopeful that the third year receiver will be ready. Johnson noted that Odunze has looked good but emphasized the importance of the player's long term health.

Odunze missed five games in 2025 because of a stress fracture in his foot. He still managed 44 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns that year, scoring in each of the first four games before the injury slowed him down.

While he previously mentioned needing to adjust to a new normal after his foot healed without surgery, Odunze clarified during training camp that he does not have a chronic issue. He stated his foot felt amazing and his body feels good ahead of the season opener.

What it means for the next game

Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers (NFL, Sun, 13 Sep): Carolina Panthers win 41%, Chicago Bears win 59%; projected score Carolina Panthers 23, Chicago Bears 25. Our safest pick: Panthers +10. Our best value pick: Panthers +3.

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): Chicago Bears win 61%, Minnesota Vikings win 39%; projected score Chicago Bears 24, Minnesota Vikings 20. Our safest pick: Bears to win. Our best value pick: Under 45.5 points.