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Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Good morning, Chicago.

Coach Ben Johnson suggested the Bears might have to give Rome Odunze time for his foot injury to heal in order for the wide receiver to potentially help the team later in the season.

Odunze was expected to play Sunday, but pregame warmups didn't go well, and the Bears decided to sit him after they had declared inactive players. Following that setback, Johnson acknowledged in a Zoom session with reporters Monday afternoon that it's possible Odunze will require additional time to return to health.

Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze sits on the bench in the third quarter against the Bengals on Nov. 2, 2025, in Cincinnati. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

There was some encouraging news on the health front as the Bears announced they have opened the return-to-practice window for weak-side linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to return from injured reserve. He missed the last four games with a groin injury, and even on a short week, it's very possible he will play Saturday night against the Packers at Soldier Field.

Johnson said wide receiver Luther Burden III, who left the 31-3 victory with an ankle injury, is more "day by day." Burden caught six passes for a game-high 84 yards. He made four receptions for 67 yards the week before in Green Bay and has become a regular in providing explosive plays.

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