The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the Wild Card contest against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. They have some questions that need to be answered in the secondary, including whether or not to play Tyrique Stevenson.
While the coaches will be tasked with figuring that out, it looks like receiver Rome Odunze will be active in this game. During Caleb Williams' session with the media on Tuesday, the QB made it seem like Odunze will be back.
"It's going to be great," Williams said, via Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times, regarding Odunze playing on Saturday. Even though nothing has been confirmed yet, Williams wouldn't publicly suggest this without the confidence that the young receiver will be back. And if so, the Bears' decision not to rush him back was the correct one.
Rome Odunze Seems Poised to Return to Bears in Wild Card
Odunze has been sidelined since Week 14 due to a foot injury. It was revealed that he had a stress fracture in his foot that prolonged his absence. He tried to return against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15 but was ruled out after pregame warmups.
Although it was disappointing not to see Odunze close out the regular season, having him available to suit up in the most important game of the season makes it worth it. The Bears' passing attack has been shaky at times to round out the campaign, but getting a playmaker like Odunze back in the fold will make this unit better.
In 12 games this season, he has logged 44 catches for 661 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Odunze showed his ability to make plays downfield, averaging 15 yards per reception. Adding him to the aerial attack adds another element for Ben Johnson to use.
It's also worth noting that Odunze didn't play in either game against the Packers this season. They don't know how Johnson plans to use Odunze against this defense.
In his rookie season, the Washington product had eight catches for 83 receiving yards over two games versus Green Bay. He has familiarity playing against a Jeff Hafley defense, but being utilized by Johnson puts him in more advantageous positions.
In the Week 16 overtime home win over the Packers, Chicago had 250 passing yards, with DJ Moore leading the way with five catches for 97 yards and the game-winning touchdown grab. Having Odunze across from Moore will create more favorable matchups for him, Colston Loveland, and Luther Burden. It'll also help out the run game, as the Packers will need to focus on these pass catchers.
Regardless, having Odunze back will benefit Chicago's offense, and Williams can't contain his excitement.