The Chicago Bears faced a challenging practice session on Thursday as wide receiver Rome Odunze and running back D’Andre Swift both exited early with apparent injuries. This development adds to the team's concerns just days before their season opener against the Carolina Panthers on September 13.
Odunze, who was drafted ninth overall in 2024, left the field after appearing to suffer a right leg injury during a drill at the beginning of practice. Initially, he seemed unconcerned, attempting to continue participating before trainers ultimately decided to pull him from the session. Fortunately, he was able to walk off the field unaided, which may suggest that the injury is not severe.
Swift's situation unfolded toward the end of practice during a full-team period. After carrying the ball from the offense's 1-yard line, he was seen leaving the field while holding his midsection. The nature of his injury remains unclear, but it certainly raises questions about his availability for the upcoming game.
The Bears are already dealing with a significant injury issue, as running back Kyle Monangai has been sidelined since August 16 due to a hyperextended knee. The team is now in a precarious position with their backfield depth as they prepare for their crucial matchup against the Panthers.
Odunze enters this season with heightened expectations, particularly following the offseason trade of DJ Moore, which has left him and fellow receiver Luther Burden III as the primary targets in the passing game. Last season, Odunze led the Bears with 90 targets and was on track to approach 1,000 receiving yards before a left foot fracture sidelined him for five games. He concluded the regular season with 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns.
Despite the previous injury concerns, Odunze expressed confidence in his recovery earlier this summer, stating that his foot felt “great” and that he was no longer preoccupied with the injury during practices. Head coach Ben Johnson had recently praised Odunze's performance in training camp, highlighting his consistency and the importance of his contributions to the team. Johnson noted, “He’s doing all the little things... it’s going to help us win games. He’s going to be a key cog in what we do.”
As the Bears prepare for their opening game, the health of Odunze and Swift will be critical. Coach Johnson is not scheduled to address the media again until next week, and the team is not required to release an official injury report until Wednesday. This leaves fans and analysts alike anxiously awaiting updates on the status of both players as the Bears look to make a strong start to their season.
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