The Bears likely will wait at least another week — and perhaps two — to get top wide receiver Rome Odunze back on the field. Odunze missed practice again Wednesday because of a foot injury, increasing the likelihood that he’ll sit out Sunday against the 49ers.
Odunze played through what appeared to be plantar fasciitis early in the season, but he has a stress fracture in his foot now and hasn’t played since Nov. 28 against the Eagles. Head coach Ben Johnson was adamant this week that Odunze isn’t out for the season.
Given that the Bears have clinched a playoff spot, the smartest play might be to give Odunze the next two weeks to rest. The Bears still are fighting for the NFC North crown and the No. 1 seed in the conference, but neither is so pressing that it’s worth taking a risk with Odunze.
That’s a valid concern after he was a late scratch two weeks ago against the Browns. The Bears went into the game expecting he would play, but he aggravated the injury during warmups and was ruled out shortly before kickoff.
Odunze was the Bears’ leader in receptions (44), yards (661) and touchdown catches (six) at the time of his injury. DJ Moore since has overtaken him with 48 catches, 664 yards and six touchdowns.
The good news for the Bears is that rookie wide receiver Luther Burden appears to be improving from the ankle injury he suffered against the Browns. He practiced Wednesday for the first time since then and was limited.
Fellow wide receiver and return specialist Devin Duvernay was out with an unspecified illness.
Odunze has been out since hurting his foot Nov. 28 against the Eagles and hasn’t practiced this week, but head coach Ben Johnson is adamant he’ll play again this season.
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Since the team’s victory against the Green Bay Packers, player jerseys and other Bears merchandise have been the top sellers for Chicago retailers.
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He made three field goals and converted an onside kick Saturday.
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