The Chicago Bears are entering a Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers with a chance to secure the NFC North, and also potentially make a push for the NFC's number 1 seed.
While their odds of the top seed are low, there's still a chance. A win over the 49ers on Sunday Night Football would go a long way towards such a goal. But, even if they don't get the top seed, the Bears still need a win.
But, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Bears got some bad news on Rome Odunze for this matchup. Once again, Odunze is ruled out, as Caleb Williams and the Bears will be short-staffed in Week 17.
Bears' Rome Odunze gets playing status update for Week 17
"Bears WR Rome Odunze (foot) is out again Sunday, Pelissero reports. This is another week that Odunze will miss, and is a part of his lengthy absence recently.
He last played against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13, and with his absence for Week 17 confirmed, Odunze will have missed four weeks, with a potential fifth coming up in the regular season finale.
Depending on the outcome of these Week 17 matchups, the Bears might be locked into their seed and would have no reason to start Odunze. But if they could potentially secure the NFC's top seed, then Odunze could come back next week.
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But, even if they're in such a position, Odunze's injury hasn't gotten better; the issue for Odunze has only gotten worse after a stunning setback right before game time in Week 15.
Odunze isn't expected to be done for the rest of the season, including playoffs, but his status for Week 17 is final, as he's been ruled out by the Bears.
Luther Burden is active, as is DJ Moore. The Bears can live without Odunze for now, and with the playoffs right around the corner, there's little reason to make Odunze active.
For now, he's out for Week 17 against the 49ers, as the second-year receiver is at risk of finishing his season with 44 receptions for 641 yards and six touchdowns, with the bulk of his production coming before their Week 5 bye.
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