A larger role is waiting for Rome Odunze in 2026, but Ben Johnson's message to the young receiver hasn't changed. The Bears head coach Ben Johnson is frequently pushing for consistency, emphasizing the hard work and practice needed to get better every day. Odunze has an opportunity on his plate now that DJ Moore is no longer on the roster and the top receiver spot is his for the taking.
Coach Johnson avoided putting pressure on Odunze when asked about him at a recent press conference on Wednesday. He cited the rapport between receivers and their quarterbacks. Johnson also made it clear that his focus remains on Odunze's growth within the offense rather than the vacancy atop the depth chart.
"The same message as it's always been, we're trying to get a little bit better every day and trying to get a rapport with our quarterback, trying to get our system down pat, and he's out there competing, and he looks pretty good right now."Ben Johnson
Coach Johnson is speaking with the media https://t.co/baVLVJeG3B
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 3, 2026
Ben Johnson believes staying healthy could unlock Odunze's potential
Coach Johnson has been big on the idea of trust this offseason. It's a concept not unfamiliar in any team sport, but one that has taken center stage in the Johnson era of Bears football. That bond is built with the team through shared experiences at practice and at the facility, and Johnson indicates that Odunze is hard at work. The trust part is knowing that Odunze wants to be healthy for the full seventeen game schedule, and hopefully more.
Injuries may have sidelined Odunze last year, but this season brings too large of an opportunity for him that he can't miss a day. With Odunze on the field, replacing Moore's missing production will be less of a worry. Between Odunze, Luther Burden, and several other names, the Bears receiving core is shaping up to be a talented portion of the roster.
Johnson's comments weren't about the expectations set upon Odunze, but rather they were about Odunze already on the road to achieve them. It's clear the Bears hold a certain amount of confidence in Odunze's ability to be WR1, only staying healthy remains a realistic obstacle. If the young receiver can remain healthy and continue building chemistry with Williams, this season could become the breakout year we've all been expecting.
| More Bears News and Rumors |
Add us as a preferred source on Google