The Chicago Bears have ruled out wide receiver Rome Odunze for their Sunday night contest with the San Fransisco 49ers in Week 17, the team announced Friday. Odunze has spent the past month watching instead of playing.
A stress fracture in his foot will keep Odunze out for a fourth consecutive game, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, sidelining him for Sunday night’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. It’s a pivotal moment in the season, one in which his skill set could make a tangible difference, particularly against a defense that thrives on limiting explosive plays.
Chicago has already shown it can navigate adversity. Early victories were gritty and unpolished, but by late November the offense began to take shape. Last week, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams delivered an overtime win against Green Bay, reinforcing the belief that this team can rise in critical moments. The challenge intensifies in the hostile environment of Levi’s Stadium, where offensive depth will be tested.
While Odunze remains sidelined, help arrives in the form of fellow rookie Luther Burden III, who will return from an ankle injury after practicing in full Friday. Burden has steadily grown into his role, tallying 36 receptions for 479 yards and a touchdown. His six-catch performance against Cleveland on Dec. 14 marked his most productive outing of the season and highlighted his increasing comfort at the NFL level.
For Odunze, the focus now shifts to recovery. Another week of rest could move him closer to returning for the most consequential stretch of the schedule. From the sideline, he’ll watch a Bears team chasing its 12th win of the season, a benchmark the franchise hasn’t reached since 2018–19, and preparing to apply the lessons learned throughout a demanding campaign.
The Bears are no longer content with progress alone. They are pursuing something greater. And when Rome Odunze is healthy enough to return, he figures to play a significant role in how far this season ultimately goes.
