The Chicago Bears have awaited news on some key injuries ahead of their most important game of the year on Saturday night. Rome Odunze and Kyler Gordon have both been out for the past month. Their absences have been felt the entire way. Getting them back for the rematch with the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field would be huge. However, head coach Ben Johnson has been careful not to assure anything. Well, news finally arrived on Tuesday about which way things are trending.
Quarterback Caleb Williams admitted his excitement at Odunze’s return. That all but confirms the wide receiver will suit up. It will be the first time he’s faced the Packers this season. As for Gordon, news broke that the Bears have activated his 21-day practice window from Injured Reserve. That means if he has a good week of practice and feels good, there is a strong possibility the Bears will bring him onto the active roster. His presence could have the greatest impact of all.
Rome Odunze and Kyler Gordon returning is so huge.
Let’s start with Odunze. One of the main issues the Bears receivers have had is a size matchup. D.J. Moore and Luther Burden haven’t really given them a physical presence on 3rd down or in the red zone this year. That was Odunze’s bread and butter. Having him back gives them another dimension in the passing game. However, Gordon is the bigger potential return. One common thread with the Bears’ defensive struggles of late is their inability to cover the slot. Teams have exposed it repeatedly for weeks.
Green Bay was no exception. They targeted C.J. Gardner-Johnson 12 times over the two previous games. They connected 10 times for 137 yards and a touchdown. It was a huge reason for their victory in the first matchup and almost delivered in the second. Gordon is the Bears’ best slot cornerback. Over the past two years, he’s allowed only three TD passes with two interceptions when in the slot. If he is healthy, he may close that window that Green Bay has exploited in previous games.
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Such things make a big difference in the playoffs.
