The Chicago Bears received a mixed set of wide receiver updates on Monday, and while the position group remains one of the team’s biggest strengths, it’s being tested at a crucial point in the season.
Head coach Ben Johnson revealed the Bears are “considering all options” with star reciever Rome Odunze. Johnson noted the team may need to “protect him from himself” to ensure he’s available long term — wording that understandably raises concern. Odunze has shown toughness playing through discomfort, but the Bears appear cautious about pushing him too far with the postseason looming. However, there is speculation he should have sat out on Sunday against the Browns. Odunze reaggravated his foot during warmups and was downgraded to out. Any absence from Odunze would be significant, given his impact and chemistry within the offense.
Meanwhile, Luther Burden is officially listed as day to day, with his availability for Saturday’s matchup against Green Bay still up in the air. While there’s optimism Burden could play, Johnson made it clear the Bears will monitor him closely throughout the week before making a final decision.
Losing Odunze would be difficult enough. Missing both Odunze and Burden for any stretch would be brutal, even for a wide receiver room that is deep and talented. The Bears do have options who can step up, but there’s no replacing the explosive ability and matchup stress those two create. But having tight ends like Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland certainly help in situations like this along with the Bears run game.
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With playoff implications front and center, Chicago must carefully balance short-term urgency with long-term health.
