The Chicago Bears picked up their fifth straight win when they beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday, but left the game banged up. Their long estimated injury reports throughout the week didn't change much on Thursday after practice. The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain reported that wideout Rome Odunze, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, linebacker Ruben Hyppolite, and offensive lineman Joe Thuney did not participate in practice.
Thuney's absence was due to rest, and Stevenson and Hyppolite's injuries are less significant now that the Bears have starters in their positions returning. Odunze's absence with a foot injury, however, is concerning ahead of Chicago's visit to Lambeau Field in Week 14.
Odunze had the same designation on Wednesday's estimated injury report, suggesting that he picked up the injury in the win over the Eagles. Since he played 70 snaps against Philadelphia, not many suspected a serious injury, but the second-year WR is now in line to miss his first game of the season.
Unless Odunze unexpectedly suits up on Sunday, DJ Moore, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Luther Burden should see a larger role against the Packers. It will be an especially big opportunity for Moore, who hasn't made much of an impact this season.
DJ Moore Needs to Step Up in Rome Odunze's Absence on Sunday
After being a true WR1 in his first two seasons in Chicago, Moore has been less effective this season as he has been firmly behind Odunze in the pecking order. In 12 games, he has only amassed 38 catches for 502 yards and three touchdowns. These would be his worst numbers since his rookie season, as Moore hasn't had more than five receptions or 73 yards in a game. Moore's 64.3 receiving grade on Pro Football Focus is also the lowest grade of his career by a significant margin.
The Bears have an egalitarian offense where the ball is getting spread. Plus, they are more reliant on their rushing attack than their passing game, having found a dynamic backfield duo in D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. Therefore, Moore's decline in production is understandable.
At the same time, Moore is 28 years old and in his eighth season in the league. A slight age-related decline can be expected.
Yet, the Bears have every right to expect more from Moore after signing him to a four-year, $110 million contract in the 2024 offseason. In terms of total guaranteed salary, only five wide receivers have a larger salary than Moore. So, the Bears would love to see production in line with that contract, especially with Odunze out.
If Moore struggles, Chicago general manager Ryan Poles might be open to exploring an offseason divorce. Although the Bears won't have an out until 2028, per Spotrac, trading veteran playmaker after June 1, 2026, would create $20.6 million in savings, which is an amount the front office can't ignore.
Whether Moore can give Chicago WR1-like production in Odunze's absence will speak volumes about what the Bears should do going forward. If he is unable to step up into a larger role, the Bears may be wise to explore getting out of his deal before it's too late.
Moore is signed for four more seasons after this one, but with Odunze and Burden in the mix, the Bears can be more aggressive trying to offload that contract in the offseason.