The Chicago Bears had to make do without Rome Odunze last Sunday in Green Bay. In truth, they haven't had the best version of their former 1st round pick for weeks. It was revealed he'd suffered a foot injury sometime around the Cincinnati Bengals game and has been playing through it. The pain became too much last week, and the Bears chose to sit him. Some wondered if they would play it safe and keep him out for a few weeks in hopes the injury might settle down. Apparently, that wasn't necessary.
Odunze practiced in a limited fashion all week, leaving him questionable for Sunday's game at Soldier Field against the Cleveland Browns. Expectations weren't high. That changed when Jeremy Fowler of ESPN provided an update.
It can't be understated how big this is. Cleveland has one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. Yet with star cornerback Denzel Ward out, it presents an opportunity for the Bears to take advantage. Having Odunze in the lineup for Caleb Williams to lean on gives the offense options they didn't have last week. Everything depends on where the pain threshold is for the wide receiver.
Rome Odunze gives the Bears immense situational value.
You often find that the most important wide receivers are the ones who can deliver on 3rd down and in the red zone. There is no question that Rome Odunze has become that guy for the Bears. Of his 54 catches this season, 14 were 3rd down conversions. Six of his nine career touchdowns have also come in the red zone. Caleb Williams clearly trusts him when the chips are down to make a play. Having him back for this game is such a boost, even if he might not be at 100%.
The question will be how reliable his hands are. Odunze has six drops this season. It is expected to be extremely cold on Sunday, with wind chills at -10 degrees. Hanging onto passes is hard enough in normal conditions for him. He'll need extra concentration in that freezer. Still, if they get a good version of Odunze, they have a chance to take care of business and get their 10th win. Either way, the receiver deserves kudos for returning so quickly despite the injury likely not being healed.
