Chicago Bears Provide OTA Updates as Season Approaches

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 3: Rome Odunze #15 of the Chicago Bears speaks to reporters following an OTA session at Halas Hall on June 3, 2026. The Bears are currently concluding their final voluntary organized team activity (OTA), running from June 2 to June 4, and key updates emerged during today’s media availability.

Defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and linebacker T.J. Edwards were present at practice, although neither participated in the team drills. Odeyingbo is recovering from an Achilles injury sustained last November, while Edwards is healing from a broken ankle incurred in January. Their presence at the facility suggests positive progress as they aim to be ready for the upcoming season.

However, several players were absent from practice, including nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon, defensive back Cam Lewis, and defensive end Montez Sweat. Coach Ben Johnson addressed Gordon's situation, stating, “We know he’s a good player when he’s out there, but trust level is a huge thing for this team, for this coaching staff, for the locker room. You can only develop that trust by being available.” Gordon's contract was extended last year under this coaching staff, indicating their belief in his potential once he returns to full health.

Wide receiver Rome Odunze, who also faced injury issues last season, shared that he is still adjusting to life post-recovery. “This is my new normal,” he explained. “And it’s not from a standpoint that I’m always in pain, but the way my foot broke, there’s callouses in there that create a different type of foot structure.” Coach Johnson expressed optimism about Odunze's contributions, emphasizing, “He’s a team player... Hopefully, we can get him 17-plus games this year, and his career will really take off for that.”

With the final voluntary OTA wrapping up tomorrow, the Bears will soon shift their focus to the mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 9-11.