Head coach Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears are getting roster reinforcements for the postseason, which will begin with a home game against their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers, on Wild Card Weekend.
That potentially includes wide receiver Rome Odunze.
The Bears announced a pair of other roster decisions, while Odunze’s quasi-status update came from quarterback Caleb Williams. Notably, Odunze has the fewest hurdles to clear logistically among the three players the Bears could get back, but faces the most uncertainty.
Bears Bracing For Reinforcements Before Wild Card Game
Bears Announce Braxton Jones, Kyler Gordon News
On Tuesday, the Bears announced via their official website that they Designated for Return and opened the 21-day practice window on the following players,” and named Braxton Jones and Kyler Gordon.
Gordon’s potential return is the more significant development of those two.
After signing a multi-year extension this past offseason, Gordon played in three games during the regular season.
He has dealt with various soft-tissue injuries, not seeing his first action until Weeks 6 and 7, and then not again until Week 13. He has not played since. The Bears have struggled in coverage this season, an area Gordon’s return could help if he can shake off the rust quickly enough.
Gordon can also be an asset against the run and in the blitz game.
His return would allow the Bears to use C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who brings physicality to the nickel but has struggled in coverage, in a more specialized role in their dime looks.
Jones’ return bolsters the Bears’ depth along their offensive line. He opened the season as the team’s starter, despite missing time during the offseason program like Gordon. However, 2024 undrafted free agent Theo Benedet replaced Jones after Week 4.
Jones went down in Week 7.
Rookie second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo has since replaced Benedet in the starting lineup on Williams’ blindside. However, Trapilo is also dealing with an injury and missed Week 18.
The Bears listed Trapilo as a limited participant on their first practice report of the week, which was merely an estimation due to the team holding a walkthrough rather than a traditional practice session.
The Bears could have options if Trapilo is sidelined again, but Benedet would be the best bet.
Rome Odunze Headlines Bears Injury Updates
Gordon and Jones joined Odunze and Trapilo on the Bears’ injury report, which also listed Gardner-Johnson and defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka as non-participants–both are in concussion protocol–while WR Jahdae Walker (DNP) and CB Nick McCloud (full) battle illness.
Jones was a full participant on the estimated report, while Gordon and Odunze were limited, but Williams spoke optimistically about getting his draft classmate back in the immediate term.
“It’s going to be great,” Williams told reporters on Tuesday. “Excited to have him back.”
Odunze has not played since Week 13. He practiced in Week 15, but suffered a setback pregame and only returned to the practice field last week. The Bears took their decision on Odunze up to game time last week. That may not be the case this time around.
Fellow wideout DJ Moore was also limited due to a knee injury. Just like Odunze and the other injured players on the Bears’ roster, Wednesday and Thursday’s practices will be key for Moore.