Ben Johnson confirms Rome Odunze is healthy for the Bears season opener

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 2:45 PM

Last updated Sep 5, 2026

Ben Johnson confirms Rome Odunze is healthy for the Bears season opener
Summary

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson says wide receiver Rome Odunze is healthy following a stress fracture that forced him to miss the final five games of the 2025 season. Despite concerns from fans regarding the injury, Johnson described the receiver as consistent and noted that he showed no setbacks during recent practices. Odunze has transitioned into the team's top receiving option following the trade of DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. While second-year player Luther Burden III also competed for targets, he sustained a groin injury during training camp. The Bears open their regular season schedule on September 13 against the Carolina Panthers. Johnson expects Odunze to serve as a primary component of the team's passing attack throughout the upcoming schedule.

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Status Watch
  • Rome Odunze missed five games last season due to a foot stress fracture.
  • Ben Johnson reports the receiver looks fully healthy during recent team practices.
  • The Chicago Bears face the Carolina Panthers in the season opener on September 13.
  • Luther Burden III is expected to return from a groin injury for the first game.
  • Rome Odunze leads the receiving corps following the departure of DJ Moore.
Latest Updates
  • 2:45 PMYahoo SportsBen Johnson discusses Bears WR Rome Odunze heading into Year 3
What they're saying
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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson discussed wide receiver Rome Odunze, including his health heading into 2026.

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