One of the most remarkable aspects of Ben Johnson’s offense has been the Bears’ sheer variety of pass catchers. Six players have led the team in receiving yards in a game through 15 games.
“They kinda take turns on who’s the guy,” tight end Cole Kmet said. “Some weeks our [tight ends] will kinda carry that a little bit.”
Still, the Bears won’t be at their best until their leading receiver, Rome Odunze, returns. On Tuesday, Johnson said that will happen, eventually.
“He’s right on track; he’s going to be in a good spot,” Johnson said. “He’s going to be able to help us this year.”
Odunze has missed the last three games with a chronic foot condition. He didn’t participate in the portion of practice open to the media Tuesday. Neither did rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III, who missed the Packers game after spraining his ankle in the third quarter against the Browns. The Bears don’t have to issue their first injury report for the 49ers game until Wednesday.
Without two of their three top wideouts, the Bears threw to three wide receivers, two running backs and two tight ends in their 22-16 overtime win against Green Bay.
Rookie Jahdae Walker, who hadn’t been targeted before Saturday, caught the game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter.
“When you have a 17-game season and play like we play — we play a physical style; we play hard — that happens,” Johnson said. “Our coaches have done a great job of just keeping guys engaged and understanding that you don’t know when your time is gonna come, but you’ve got to stay ready at all times.”
Wright wronged?
Bears players were surprised that cornerback Nahshon Wright didn’t make the Pro Bowl. The only NFL player with more interceptions than his five is teammate Kevin Byard III, who was named to the all-star game.
Wright had one notable fan post to social media in his favor. Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons, who played with Wright in Dallas, wrote that Wright “getting snubbed for first team Pro Bowl selection is crazy!!”
Parsons texted Wright something similar Tuesday morning.
“It’s cool when you’re recognized by your peers,” Wright said. “Obviously, not recognized enough.”
Wright didn’t hide his disappointment about not making the all-star team.
“You lead the league in takeaways — that’s gotta count for something,” he said.
Byard comforted Wright by saying he believed Wright would be named first-team All-Pro.
“I talked to him about it, like, ‘I’ve been in your position; I’ve had years where I thought I should have gotten in, and other guys got in,’ ” Byard said. “I’m not necessarily saying those guys didn’t have good years, but he has a first-team All-Pro [nod] that’s on the way.”
Notes
Byard was named the recipient of the Jeff Dickerson Good Guy Award, presented each year by the Chicago chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America to honor the player who best helps reporters do their jobs.
† Cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who hurt his knee Saturday, wasn’t spotted at the portion of practice open to reporters and said in the locker room that he’d let coaches address his injury this week. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett was on an exercise bike, and Byard got a rest day.
† The Bears held their last padded practice of the regular season, according to NFLPA rules. Postseason teams get up to one padded practice per week.
† Guard Luke Newman practiced, opening a 21-day window for him to return from injured reserve. He has a foot injury.
