CHICAGO — Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze is managing a foot injury ahead of Sunday's regular-season opener against the Carolina Panthers, with the team hopeful he will still be able to play in Week 1 as the Bears open their schedule.
Odunze's status emerged ahead of the Week 1 matchup, with Chicago monitoring the receiver's foot issue through the practice week. The Bears have not ruled him out, indicating optimism that he could suit up against Carolina despite the injury concern.
Odunze's availability carries weight for Chicago's passing attack as it prepares for the opening-week test. His presence on the outside would give the Bears their full complement of receivers against a Panthers defense looking to set the tone early in the season.
Chicago will continue to evaluate Odunze in practice and track his response before making a final determination. His game-day status will shape the Bears' receiver rotation and preparation as they finalize plans for the Week 1 contest.