The Chicago Bears face a crucial decision with star wide receiver Rome Odunze sidelined by a stress fracture in his foot – and according to NFL medical analyst Dr. Jesse Morse, the club may be considering an aggressive return that could pay off in the playoffs. That plan, however, comes with serious long-term risks for Odunze’s health and availability.
Odunze – who leads the Bears this season with 44 receptions, 661 receiving yards and six touchdowns – was officially ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers. The team confirmed he did not practice all week and is considered week-to-week.
Expert warns long-term fallout is possible
In a post on social media, Dr. Morse detailed that the kind of stress fracture Odunze is dealing with most commonly affects the metatarsals – often the 2nd or 3rd – and sometimes zone 3 of the 5th metatarsal. Left unchecked, such injuries require 6 weeks of rest to heal properly.
Morse cautioned that rushing Odunze back could risk a full fracture – a development often necessitating surgical intervention with screws or plates.
That would almost certainly derail not just the end of this season, but potentially impact the early stages of 2026.
Despite that, the doctor noted that if the Bears aim to make a deep playoff run, they might attempt to bring Odunze back in time – even if that means a compressed rehab window.
For Chicago’s offense, Odunze‘s speed, deep-threat ability and connection with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams have been central to their game plan. In his absence, more burdens fall on receivers like DJ Moore, Luther Burden III and Olamide Zaccheaus – but none match Odunze’s explosiveness or playmaking upside.
Given the stakes – a playoff push, plus the Bears‘ ambition to establish themselves under their new regime – it’s easy to see why management might at least consider pushing the envelope. But if they do, it will be a high-risk, high-reward gamble. Medicine says he needs rest; the stakes say he’s indispensable.
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