The Chicago Bears have done nothing but win despite being without one of their top receiver over the past few weeks.
Wide receiver Rome Odunze has been recovering from a stress fracture in his foot, resulting in him missing the Bears' two wins over the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers.
Although it's uncertain when Odunze will officially come back to the playing field, head coach Ben Johnson gave an uplifting update to the second-year pass-catcher.
Johnson: Rome Odunze is expected to return sometime this season
According to ESPN's Courtney Cronin, Ben Johnson said that Rome Odunze is on the right track in recovery from the stress fracture in his foot.
"He's going to be able to help us this year," he added.
This is a convincing comment coming from the head coach of the Bears. Chicago has been battling injuries to multiple players in the wide receiver and tight end rooms in recent weeks.
Before going down with the injury, Odunze was the Bears' top receiver in 2025. Through 12 games this season, he has 44 receptions, 661 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.
Odunze, alongside rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III and tight end Cole Kmet, was unavailable in the Bears' Week 16 win over the Green Bay Packers.
Getting three of its top five players in receiving yards back could be key to a playoff run.
Sitting at a record of 11-4, Chicago is facing another tough task in Week 17 as they take on the San Francisco 49ers (11-4). With a win or a Green Bay Packers loss, the Bears will clinch the NFC North for the first time since 2018.
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