Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears want to close out a resurgent 2025 season strong, meaning a win over the Detroit Lions, who beat them 52-21 in Week 2, in the regular-season finale. That is their focus, but the postseason looms large, and there was an encouraging development on that front.
Williams and the Bears are coming off a shoot-out loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Both teams were short-handed for that contest to varying degrees, but the Bears are trending in the right direction entering their final game of the regular season.
Bears’ Caleb Williams Gets Good News Before Regular-Season Finale
Caleb Williams, Bears Get Rome Odunze Back at Practice
On Friday, for the first time since Week 15, Williams practiced alongside his full complement of wide receivers, including fellow 2024 first-round draft pick Rome Odunze. The Bears officially listed Odunze as “limited.” He is questionable to play against the Lions.
Odunze has not played since Week 13 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
He has been dealing with a stress fracture in his foot that only rest could heal. Odunze practiced all week before the Bears faced the Cleveland Browns in Week 15, but he suffered a setback during pre-game warm-ups and sat out.
He also dealt with heel and ankle issues earlier in the season, but avoided missing time and even coming off the injury report before the Eagles game.
Odunze remains tied for the Bears’ team lead with 6 touchdown receptions this season.
Williams’ favorite target early in the campaign, their efficiency as a duo waned before Odunze’s injury. The big-bodied wideout’s return to the lineup, whenever that may be, will be a big boost for a passing game that has proven its explosiveness all season, including in recent weeks.
Odunze provides a different kind of downfield threat and an added jump-ball target on the perimeter.
Moreover, his return would shift the rest of the Bears’ receivers into the roles they should have.
Bears Could Reset Pecking Order
Odunze and DJ Moore–who has not consistently benefited from Odunze’s absence–will continue to occupy top WR positions. But the Bears have seen rookie second-round pick Luther Burden III take significant strides in recent weeks.
Even with Olamide Zaccheaus returning to practice after missing last week’s contest, Burden has earned a larger role moving forward.
That diversity of talent and skill sets is a boon for Williams.
Most importantly, Williams is showing an improved level of confidence in and understanding of the offense, speaking candidly this week about seeing the laundry list of things Bears head coach Ben Johnson told him and the group early on play out as planned.
Odunze may still be unlikely to play for the Bears in Week 18, even after returning to practice, given how long he has been sidelined.
Still, his return bodes well for Williams and the Bears’ postseason outlook.
