Fans of the Chicago Bears can exhale with ease knowing that wide receiver Rome Odunze escaped significant injury during the team’s victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 1.
According to Chris Emma of 670 The Score, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus stated on Wednesday, “We are in a good situation, it is nothing serious.” With a day-to-day designation, it is unclear if the rookie will play in Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, but it does not seem like he will be out for a lengthy time.
The news on Wednesday follows Eberflus’ Tuesday appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, when he stated, “He has an MCL sprain, and it is a day-to-day thing.” So tomorrow, on Wednesday, we will check in with him to see where he is and what is happening. We will review it along the way. Day to day, I am aware that he is a very tough individual.”
Odunze might play versus Houston, the coach added.
Given that Odunze was not the only receiver to have an injury, ESPN’s Courtney Cronin pointed out that it might have been an expensive opener for Chicago.
While DJ Moore and Keenan Allen also had physical problems, there is not much reason for concern regarding their conditions going into Week 2. That implies that all three of the gifted receivers who gave Chicago fans hope before the season may be available without sacrificing any playing time.
The Bears need them healthy because one of their main objectives this season is to see No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams emerge as the franchise quarterback the team has been missing for a long time.
Despite his lackluster performance in his first start—he completed just 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions—the NFC North squad managed to win primarily because of a special teams touchdown and a defensive touchdown.
If the Bears want to compete on the road against C.J. Stroud and the high-flying Texans, their offense will need to be significantly more refined. And Odunze, who concluded his final collegiate season at Washington with 1,640 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, might play a big role in that.
In his absence, Tyler Scott or DeAndre Carter should be Chicago’s go-to third receivers.
