The Chicago Bears' practice report wasn't exactly what Bears fans want to see following Wednesday's session. Wide receiver Rome Odunze did not practice, as he's still nursing a foot injury. Fellow wide receiver Luther Burden III also did not practice after suffering an ankle injury during Week 15's contest against the Cleveland Browns.
It's a very real possibility that neither Odunze nor Burden will suit up Saturday night against the Green Bay Packers. While that may very well be cause to panic for fans, it also gives Chicago a chance to see what it has in the undrafted rookie who has been buried on their wide receiver depth chart.
Jahdee Walker Likely to Take on Larger Role For Chicago In Week 16
With Odunze and Burden III both potentially out, the Bears will need extra help at wide receiver against the Packers. Jahdae Walker may finally be able to make his debut for the Bears. Walker has appeared in three games for Chicago, thus far, and has yet to record a catch, but that will likely change on Saturday.
DJ Moore will serve as the clear WR1 against the Packers, with tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet likely seeing a fair target share as well. After that, it's Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay. Not to say they can't step up and produce for Chicago, but we know who they are at this point in their careers. Jahdae Walker, Chicago's undrafted rookie, is who Bears fans should keep their eye on if both Odunze and Burden III are inactive Saturday. The Texas A&M product has yet to record a reception in the NFL, which can largely be attributed to the Bears' strong wide receiver room, but he wouldn't be in the Windy City if the coaching staff didn't think he was a capable option.
Walker impressed enough in training camp to make the roster and had a solid showing in preseason as well, scoring a pair of touchdowns over three games. Ben Johnson and the Bears coaching staff clearly saw something in Walker, and whatever that is may be ready to break loose.
On top of the injuries to Odunze and Burden III, Moore has been inconsistent, and we saw that inconsistency on full display in Week 14 against the Packers, when the former Maryland Terrapins star finished the game with one catch for -4 yards. Someone will need to step up Saturday night for Chicago, and only time will tell if Walker is the guy for the job.
If it does turn out that Burden III and Odunze are both inactive, Walker needs to take advantage of the chances he gets. As an undrafted rookie, the path to playing time can be rough, so Walker needs to show Chicago that this shouldn't be the only time he sees the field with an increased role.