In January 2026, the Chicago Bears are gearing up for the NFC wild-card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, and one of the key players eager to rejoin the fold is wide receiver Rome Odunze. After missing five consecutive games due to a foot injury, Odunze has demonstrated resilience and readiness, earning a spot back on the active roster. His full participation in practice signals that he is prepared to contribute to the Bears’ postseason efforts, regardless of his specific role. At 23 years old, Odunze remains committed to helping the team, emphasizing his desire to make an impact and be an asset to the offense as they chase a trip to the Super Bowl.
Odunze’s Return Signals a Boost for the Bears
Full Participation and Injury Status
Odunze was a full participant in Thursday’s practice, indicating no lingering concerns or injury designations ahead of Saturday’s game. His return is viewed as a significant boost for the Bears, who have been navigating a season marred by injuries and setbacks. Odunze’s injury history includes a stress fracture in his foot, which he sustained in late October. Despite the long recovery, his dedication to returning was evident, and he expressed confidence in his ability to contribute on game day.
He described the past few weeks battling through injury and recovery, noting, “It’s tough being out for five weeks and having to be on the sideline and have all that happen and go through that, the ups and downs of the season and not being able to contribute.” His return is not only about filling a positional need but also about providing energy and enthusiasm to a Bears team on the cusp of a playoff appearance.
Impact and Role Expectations
Odunze is aware that his conditioning might not be at peak levels, citing that he’s not in “peak shape” at the moment. Still, he is eager to be on the field and make as many plays as possible, emphasizing his mentality of no hesitation in helping the team. “There might be some limitations; those are still to be discussed,” Odunze admitted. “For me, I’m looking to be out there as much as possible. Make as many plays as I can. At the end of the day, it’s all or nothing for this game to make it to the Super Bowl until the end of the season. I want to contribute as much as I can and put everything I have out there.”
Despite the considerations around his physical condition, Odunze’s enthusiasm remains undiminished. He acknowledged that discussions are ongoing regarding his role but expressed his commitment to contributing as much as possible during the playoff game. He acknowledged that there might be some limitations, but that won’t dampen his determination to give his all on the field.
Bears’ Injury Updates and Other Key Players
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The Bears have a relatively healthy group heading into the playoffs, with several key offensive and defensive contributors listed as healthy and ready to play. Wide receivers DJ Moore, who is dealing with a knee injury, and Jahdae Walker, nursing an illness, do not have injury designations. Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who has a quad injury, as well as cornerbacks Nick McCloud (illness) and Jaylon Jones (ankle), also are cleared to participate.
However, there are some question marks. Cornerback Kyler Gordon is listed as questionable due to a groin injury, and offensive tackle Braxton Jones, who has been battling a knee issue, is also questionable after practice was limited. Both players have been participating fully in practice sessions while awaiting activation off injured reserve before Saturday’s game.
Other Notable Injuries and Key Availability
On the Packers side, their injury report includes six players listed as questionable. Among them are starting right tackle Zach Tom, who has a back and knee injury; defensive back Javon Bullard, who is dealing with a knee issue; and backup quarterback Malik Willis, who is recovering from a right shoulder and hamstring injury.
Tom, after practicing earlier in the week, did not participate in Thursday’s practice, with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur stating that it was a scheduled rest day. LaFleur remains optimistic about Tom’s chances to suit up, noting, “He’s looked good in practice. Like I tell you all the time, we’ll give him up ’til gametime, and if he can go, he’ll be out there.”
Other players listed as questionable include wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks, who is in concussion protocol; linebacker Nick Niemann, who has a pectoral injury; and defensive lineman Warren Brinson, who is dealing with a foot issue. The Packers will decide on their inclusion closer to kickoff based on their practice progress leading up to the game.
The Road to the Playoffs
As both teams prepare for the high-stakes playoff clash, injury management and player readiness are crucial factors. For the Bears, their focus remains on integrating Odunze back into the offense smoothly, knowing his injury history and current conditioning might influence his role. Head coach Ben Johnson emphasized the importance of player safety, saying, “It’s hard to tell him no sometimes. He just wants to be out on the field competing and contributing and helping our team win. So there may be a case where we have to protect him from himself a little bit and just make sure we get him right and he’ll be able to help us down the road.”
Meanwhile, the Packers face their own set of challenges with multiple players listed as questionable. Coach LaFleur’s cautious approach on the final practice sessions underscores the importance of player health and game-time decisions, especially in a playoff atmosphere.
With these injury statuses, both teams are optimistic about putting their best foot forward, but each will need to navigate the limitations and uncertainties that come with postseason football.
Summary
The Chicago Bears are set to welcome back wide receiver Rome Odunze for their pivotal playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. After missing five games due to a foot injury, Odunze’s full practice participation and positive outlook indicate his readiness to step into the postseason spotlight. How much he contributes will depend on his physical condition and team strategy but his enthusiasm and determination remain clear.
On the other side, both teams are managing injuries, with key players listed as questionable or doubtful. The outcome of Saturday’s game may hinge on these late-minute decisions, but the anticipation remains high for what promises to be an intense NFC wild-card showdown. As the Bears and Packers battle for a spot in the next round, their resilience and adaptability in the face of injury setbacks will play a vital role in determining the final result.
