Rome Odunze 'Ready to Go' for Season Opener Despite Questionable Status

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze expects to play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers despite being listed as questionable with a calf injury.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze expects to play in Sunday's season opener at Carolina despite being listed as questionable on the final injury report. Odunze sustained a right calf strain during practice on Sept. 3, an injury he attributed to muscle fatigue following six weeks of training camp. The strain forced him to exit that session early and sidelined him for practices on Monday and Tuesday.

Odunze returned to the field as a limited participant on Thursday and Friday. He was also listed as limited on Wednesday’s injury report estimation when the team did not hold a formal practice. Coach Ben Johnson stated the team is hopeful the third-year receiver will be available but noted the importance of his long-term health for the duration of the season.

During the 2025 season, Odunze missed five games due to a stress fracture in his foot, finishing the year with 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns. Although he scored in each of the first four games that year, his production dipped after sustaining the foot injury near the midway point. Odunze confirmed during this year's camp that his foot is not a chronic issue and felt "amazing" entering his third offseason.