One of the most remarkable aspects of Ben Johnson’s offense this season has been the Bears’ sheer variety of pass catchers. Six different players have led the team in receiving yards in a game this season.
“They kinda take turns on who’s the guy,” tight end Cole Kmet said. “Some weeks our [tight end] group will kinda carry that a little bit.”
Still, the Bears won’t be at their best until their leading receiver, Rome Odunze, returns. For the most time Tuesday, coach Ben 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 past three games with a chronic foot condition. He did not participate in the portion of practice open to the media Tuesday. Neither did rookie receiver Luther Burden, who missed last week’s 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 receivers, two running backs and two tight ends in their 22-16 overtime win against the Packers.
Rookie Jahdae Walker, who hadn’t been targeted before Sunday, caught the game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter.
“When you have a 17-game season and we play like we play — we play a physical style, we play hard — that happens,” Johnson said. “Our coaches have done a great job 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.”
t you’ve got to stay ready at all times.”
