Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears
Wide Receiver #15

Rome Odunze News RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Officially Active for Week 1

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf) is officially active for the team's Week 1 season opener on Sunday versus the Carolina Panthers, according to the team. Odunze was limited in practice all week due to a knee injury that surfaced in early September, but he did enough on the field to gain clearance to play in the season opener this weekend. There have not been any reports floating around that the 24-year-old former first-rounder will not have his typical number of offensive snaps for the Bears on Sunday, so fantasy managers should keep him in their starting lineups to kick off the year. Odunze only played in 12 regular-season games a year ago due to a foot injury that is believed to be behind him, but durability issues have been a bit of a concern. He caught 44 of 90 targets last year for 661 yards and a career-high six touchdowns in his second season in the NFL. With DJ Moore now in Buffalo, Odunze and Luther Burden III will operate as Chicago's top two wideouts in 2026. At the very least, Odunze should be a solid WR3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 1.

Sep 13, 2026 7:44 AM EST


Rome Odunze Expected to Suit Up Against the Panthers

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf) is expected to play in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Odunze had been listed as questionable, but it sounds like he will suit up for the season opener, barring a setback. Fantasy managers should feel relieved to hear that Odunze is healthy, since injuries impacted him significantly in 2025. Last year, he missed five games, which dropped him to a WR41 finish in PPR leagues. Odunze now has top-36 upside in the Bears offense. He'll likely remain behind Luther Burden III in the pecking order, but an uptick in volume remains likely after the team traded away DJ Moore. As it stands, Odunze ranks as RotoBaller's WR38 in PPR leagues for Week 1.

Sep 13, 2026 4:05 AM EST



Rome Odunze Not Yet Medically Cleared to Play in Week 1

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf) is not yet medically cleared to play in his team's season opener against the Carolina Panthers, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Odunze has been battling a calf strain and is officially listed as questionable to play. The 24-year-old told reporters on Friday that he feels "ready to go," but Fowler reports that the team will ultimately be making the call on whether to have him suit up on Sunday. Odunze had the tail end of his 2025 campaign disrupted by a nagging foot injury, so Chicago's decision-makers may be looking to avoid a similar situation where the calf issue lingers in 2026. If Odunze is active, he profiles as a flex option for fantasy managers in Week 1. If he's unable to go, Bears tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III would both likely see increased workloads.

Sep 12, 2026 5:10 AM EST


Rome Odunze Officially Questionable for Season Opener

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's road opener against the Carolina Panthers. Odunze operated as a limited participant leading up to this weekend's contest after picking up a calf injury the week prior. It'd have been nice to see him upgrade to full at some point, but per the 24-year-old, he'll be able to suit up. Health aside, Odunze and the rest of Chicago's skill players are well-equipped to make massive fantasy impacts in 2026. As it stands, the only question left to shake out is which of Odunze, teammate Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland will separate themselves as the primary pass-catcher for third-year quarterback Caleb Williams. Either way, there should be fantasy value to mine from all three. If healthy, Odunze ranks as RotoBaller's PPR WR30 for the weekend's matchup.

Sep 11, 2026 6:51 PM EST


Rome Odunze Feeling "Ready to Go" Ahead of Week 1

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf) said he is "feeling like I'm ready to go" for the team's Week 1 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, per Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic. Odunze was limited in practice throughout this week due to a calf injury and is officially listed as questionable to play on Sunday. However, it appears as though Odunze is trending toward being active against Carolina. Across 12 games in 2025, the 24-year-old recorded 44 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns on 90 targets. Odunze missed time down the stretch of the season due to a foot injury, and his production trailed off in the second half before he was sidelined by the injury. When fully healthy, the former first-round pick remains a high-upside pass-catcher. However, Chicago may be cautious with Odunze early in the year as he deals with his current calf issue. All in all, fantasy managers should view Odunze as a risky WR3/flex option in Week 1.

Sep 11, 2026 12:09 PM EST



Rome Odunze Questionable for Week 1

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf) is officially questionable for Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers, according to Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune. Odunze was listed as limited Wednesday and Thursday after spending Monday and Tuesday rehabbing the injury, so this looks like one fantasy managers will have to carry into the weekend. The good news is that Chicago has been optimistic. Head coach Ben Johnson called Odunze day-to-day earlier this week and said the calf issue is not related to the foot injury that bothered him last season. Odunze still managed 44 catches for 661 yards and a career-high six touchdowns in 12 regular-season games in 2025. If he suits up, the calf adds some risk to what already looked like more of a WR3/flex spot for Week 1. If he cannot go, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland would be the biggest names to watch for extra targets, while Kalif Raymond could pick up more work on the outside.

Sep 11, 2026 11:23 AM EST


Bears to be Cautious With Rome Odunze Early?

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said that wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf) will practice on Friday, according to Sean Hammond of The Chicago Tribune. The Bears' coaching staff will assess where Odunze is after practice and make a decision on his Week 1 status against the Carolina Panthers from there. Johnson noted that "there's a long season ahead." The 24-year-old was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but it does not sound like Odunze is a slam dunk to be active this weekend in the season opener against Carolina. It makes Odunze a risky WR3/flex option in all fantasy formats since he could be on a strict snap count on Sunday if he is cleared to suit up. The former ninth overall pick from Washington in 2024 had six touchdowns but disappointed with only 44 receptions and 661 receiving yards in 12 starts in 2025 while dealing with a foot injury in the second half of the season. Odunze's foot injury is apparently a thing of the past, but a new calf injury has now put his Week 1 status in doubt. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Odunze's status on Sunday morning.

Sep 11, 2026 10:54 AM EST


Rome Odunze Limited Again on Thursday

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf) was listed as limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week, according to the team. With two limited sessions to begin Week 1 preparation, Odunze is still up in the air to play in the season opener this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, and he might need to upgrade to a full practice on Friday to be cleared to play this weekend. If he is limited or out on Sunday, Kalif Raymond and Zavion Thomas would have a path to elevated roles alongside Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland. Odunze, the ninth overall pick in 2024 from the University of Washington, had a career-high six touchdowns in 12 regular-season games in his sophomore campaign in 2025, but he was limited with a concerning foot injury that he says is in the rearview mirror. He is shaping up as more of a WR3/flex option to begin the 2026 season if he plays against the Panthers. Check back for Odunze's final injury status on Friday.

Sep 10, 2026 11:54 AM EST


Rome Odunze is Listed as Limited in Practice on Wednesday

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. After sitting out on Tuesday, Odunze was back on the practice field on Wednesday. Odunze is currently considered day-to-day while he deals with a calf injury. It seems that his status for the Week 1 matchup against the Carolina Panthers is up in the air. Fantasy managers don't need to panic yet, with two more days to get upgraded to full in practice. The Bears would likely need to rely on Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland more in the passing game if Odunze is unable to go.

Sep 9, 2026 6:11 PM EST


Rome Odunze Won't Practice Tuesday, Bears "Hopeful" for Week 1

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (leg) will not practice on Tuesday, and head coach Ben Johnson told reporters he is considered "day-to-day." Johnson clarified that the 2024 first-round pick did not aggravate the foot injury that he dealt with last season but is instead dealing with "something different," and the team remains hopeful he'll be able to suit up for a Week 1 matchup with the Panthers. Odunze led the Bears with 87 targets in 2025 despite missing five games, and following the departure of veteran DJ Moore, there is an expectation of a further consolidation of opportunities between Odunze and second-year pass-catchers Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland. Fantasy managers will now need to monitor Odunze's status when the team releases its first official practice report on Wednesday.

Sep 8, 2026 9:25 AM EST


Rome Odunze Missing From Monday's Practice

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (leg) was the only player missing from Monday's brisk, 50-minute practice, according to Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune. Odunze is still not back on the practice field after leaving Thursday's practice early with a right-leg injury. The 24-year-old's status will be closely monitored heading into the team's Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. We should have a better read on the former first-rounder's status for this coming weekend once the Bears release their first official practice report of the season on Wednesday. But for now, Odunze's status is firmly up in the air. If he is limited or out against the Panthers, receivers Luther Burden III (groin), Kalif Raymond, and Zavion Thomas could all see extra targets, as well as tight end Colston Loveland. Odunze regressed with 44 catches and 661 receiving yards in his sophomore season in 2025 while playing in just 12 games due to a foot injury, but he also had a career-high six receiving touchdowns, and he is expected to have a bigger role in 2026 with DJ Moore out of the picture. As of right now, Odunze is shaping up as a shaky WR3/flex in Week 1 in fantasy because of his leg injury.

Sep 7, 2026 11:05 AM EST


Rome Odunze Suffers Apparent Leg Injury in Practice

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (leg) exited Thursday's practice early with an apparent injury, according to Sean Hammond of The Chicago Tribune. Odunze came up hobbling during an install period at the start of practice and appeared to be favoring his right leg. He was not overly concerned and tried to stay on the field before trainers pulled him to the side. Head coach Ben Johnson will not meet with the media until next week, so we might not get much information on the specifics of Odunze's injury until the Bears' first official practice report is released next Wednesday. The 24-year-old's injury does not sound overly serious, but it is another thing to worry about for fantasy managers after the former first-rounder dealt with a foot injury for much of last year. Odunze finished the 2025 regular season with a 44-661-6 line in just 12 games played, but the good news is that he has not shown any ill effects this summer from his foot injury, which appears to be behind him. The former Washington Husky wideout has an opportunity for a bigger role in Chicago in 2026 with DJ Moore out of town, but injury concerns make him more of a WR3/flex target as he enters Year 3 in the NFL. Stay tuned for an update on Odunze's injury status early next week.

Sep 3, 2026 2:00 PM EST


Rome Odunze Could Be Poised for a Breakout Campaign in 2026

Across 12 games in 2025, Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze recorded 44 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns on 90 targets. The 24-year-old got off to a hot start to the year, but his production tailed off in the second half of the season, and he missed time with a foot injury down the stretch. Including the Bears' two playoff contests, Odunze recorded more than three receptions in just one out of seven games he suited up in after Week 8. However, Odunze has been healthy throughout this summer, reportedly having no issues with the foot injury that hampered him in 2025. In contrast, Bears wideout Luther Burden III (groin) has been dealing with a groin injury throughout much of training camp. Additionally, Chicago could be looking to funnel more targets to Odunze in 2026 after the team traded away veteran wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills at the start of the offseason. Entering the year, Odunze may be flying under the radar at his current redraft ADP of WR27.

Aug 31, 2026 12:27 PM EST


Rome Odunze Collects Red Zone Target in First Action

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze caught one of two targets for 18 yards in his team's 27-9 loss to the hosting Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. Odunze was a surprise start in this one - along with the rest of the first-string offense that suited up - although he only got a single series of plays. Despite Chicago making it all the way inside the red zone on its first possession, the drive stalled after a holding penalty and three straight incompletions by quarterback Caleb Williams - one of which was intended for the third-year wideout near the end zone. Odunze will face legitimate target competition from fellow wide receiver Luther Burden III (groin) and tight end Colston Loveland in the upcoming season. However, the former looked the part of a WR1 at the beginning of 2025, and averaged 7.5 targets per game before a foot injury derailed the back half of his campaign. We'll see if Odunze suits up again for in-game action when Chicago squares off against the Tennessee Titans next Saturday.

Aug 22, 2026 11:43 PM EST


Rome Odunze's Foot Hasn't Been an Issue

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze has had no issues with his foot during training camp. Odunze suffered a foot stress fracture that caused him to miss five games. He didn't sound 100% confident about the injury during the offseason, saying, "He will have to learn to adapt to the new normal." The third-year receiver put all concerns to rest during camp, participating in all 15 practices so far this summer, and said on Tuesday, "I don't think about it." Over his two seasons with the Bears, Odunze has totaled 1,395 yards and nine touchdowns on 98 receptions. Odunze's fantasy value entering the 2026 season is lower than anticipated, as young playmakers Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland have stolen the limelight. With the foot injury not a factor so far, fantasy managers should feel comfortable taking Odunze in the mid-rounds of drafts.

Aug 20, 2026 4:13 PM EST


Rome Odunze Could Emerge As Bears' WR1 With Burden Injured

With second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III (groin) expected to miss time in the preseason, wideout Rome Odunze has an opportunity to make his case for Chicago's WR1 spot. Odunze hauled in 44 of 90 passes for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games, averaging just over 10 half-PPR fantasy points per game. Odunze had a fantastic start to the 2025 season, averaging over 13 points per game and scoring five touchdowns in the first eight weeks. With D.J. Moore's departure and Burden dealing with an injury that could affect his Week 1 status, Odunze could step into a heavy workload to start the season. Currently ranked WR33 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, the former ninth overall pick could be a great value if he can build on his sophomore season.

Aug 13, 2026 6:37 PM EST


Rome Odunze Says his Foot Feels Great

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) made comments back in June about his injured foot being the "new normal," which led many to believe he'd never be the WR the team envisioned he'd be when they took him ninth overall in 2024 from the University of Washington. The 24-year-old third-year wideout clarified his "new normal" comments from earlier in the offseason by saying on Thursday that "wasn't really what he meant." What he meant was that he was injured last year, suffering a stress fracture in his foot that limited him in the second half. Odunze had 20 catches for 296 yards and five touchdowns through the first four weeks before catching 24 passes for 365 yards and one TD in the final eight regular-season games. He said his "foot feels great" and "amazing" now and that his foot issue from a year ago isn't a "chronic" injury. Fantasy managers shouldn't be avoiding Odunze in upcoming drafts, especially with DJ Moore now in Buffalo. All the offseason hype has been on second-year wideout Luther Burden III, potentially making Odunze an excellent value pick with WR2 upside in 2026.

Jul 30, 2026 4:36 PM EST


Rome Odunze Looking Healthy and Explosive

While much has been made of the bone calluses that structurally altered the left foot of Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze, early reports have been positive, with the third-year receiver looking healthy and explosive during individual drills of the team's first practice of training camp. Odunze elected to bypass surgery for the stress fracture and plantar fasciitis that caused him to miss five games in 2025, and he drew offseason headlines when describing the "new normal" of the naturally healed foot. On Day 1 of training camp, he was able to run and cut without restriction, and quarterback Caleb Williams commented after practice that "Rome looks like Rome." Unfortunately, that unencumbered movement did not translate to production under game-like conditions, as he was held without a catch in team drills, but seemingly at full health, Odunze will have plenty of opportunities to make plays throughout the summer, and he is RotoBaller's WR33.

Jul 30, 2026 5:13 AM EST


Rome Odunze Will Soon Get the Opportunity to Test His Structurally Altered Foot

Injuries derailed what looked to be a promising sophomore season for Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze, but when Bears veterans gather for training camp on July 28, he'll be presented with the season's first opportunity to test his bothersome left foot in a padded practice setting. Odunze suffered a stress fracture in the foot that kept him out of the final five games of the regular season, but he elected not to have offseason surgery, opting instead for what he has called the "new normal" of a calloused and slightly shifted foot structure. Through the first four weeks of the 2025 season, Odunze was the fantasy WR3 before the foot first became an issue, but with him slowed later in the year, rookies Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland stepped into prominent roles that leave Chicago's target pecking order somewhat unsettled heading into 2026. RotoBaller ranks Odunze as the WR33, a full 12 positional spots behind Burden, but it should surprise nobody if he's able to pick up where he started last season and command the top pass-catching spot in what projects to be an ascending Chicago offense.

Jul 20, 2026 6:37 AM EST


Is Rome Odunze Undervalued in Redraft Leagues Entering 2026?

Across 12 games in 2025, Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) recorded 44 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns on 90 targets. The 24-year-old's campaign was disrupted by a late-season foot injury that forced him to miss the final five games of the regular season. Odunze was able to return for Chicago's two postseason contests, but he mentioned during OTAs that he's still dealing with lingering effects of the foot ailment. While Odunze's injury concerns are unquestionably worrisome, it may also be creating a buy-low window for fantasy managers. Following Chicago's offseason trade of wideout DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, Odunze appears to be the WR1 in an improving Bears offense. However, he's currently coming off the board as the WR28 by average draft position in redraft leagues. Odunze's profile has risk, but his upside may be worth gambling on in 2026.

Jun 27, 2026 11:10 AM EST