Bears Receiver Rome Odunze Discusses Adapting After Injury

The Chicago Bears enjoyed a successful 2025 season, securing the second seed in the NFC and advancing to the playoffs. However, their journey ended in the NFC Divisional Round, where they faced a defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. As the team looks ahead to the 2026 season, they have made significant roster changes, with particular attention on the wide receiver position.

Rome Odunze, a prominent figure in the Bears' receiving corps, is eager to elevate his game following a foot injury that hampered his performance last season. Speaking to the media recently, Odunze shared insights into his recovery and the adjustments he is making: “It’s not from a standpoint that I’m like always in pain, but the way my foot broke, there’s calluses in there that create a different type of foot structure with those bones – different things that kind of shifts things around. So my new normal is kind of what I am going into. And I don’t think that’s anything that’s going to prohibit me or keep me from making plays.”

In 2025, Odunze missed five games due to his left foot injury and faced limitations throughout the season. Despite these challenges, he managed to achieve 44 receptions on 90 targets, amassing 661 yards and scoring six touchdowns. Much of his success came in the first month of the season before the injury took its toll.

With DJ Moore's recent trade to the Buffalo Bills, Odunze is poised for an expanded role alongside Luther Burden III as the Bears' second wide receiver. He remains optimistic about his performance in 2026 and is determined to overcome the obstacles posed by his injury. Fans will be watching closely to see how Odunze adapts and contributes to the team's success in the upcoming season.