Bears' DE Odeyingbo to miss season with Achilles injury suffered against Bengals
The Chicago Bears will be without defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo for the remainder of the season due to an Achilles injury sustained during a recent game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Why it matters: Odeyingbo's absence significantly impacts the Bears' defensive line, which is already dealing with multiple injuries.
- The team has lost key players including rookie defensive tackle Shemar Turner, who was placed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL.
- This situation puts additional strain on the remaining players and may compel the Bears to seek reinforcements before the trade deadline.
What’s new: Odeyingbo suffered the injury in the fourth quarter, logging 37 snaps and recording one quarterback hit prior to his exit.
- His performance this season has been notable, with 21 tackles, four quarterback hits, and one sack across eight games.
By the numbers: Since signing a three-year, $48 million contract—which includes $32 million guaranteed—Odeyingbo has been expected to play a crucial role in Chicago's defense.
- His loss means the Bears must adapt their strategy as they face upcoming opponents without one of their primary pass rushers.
Yes, but: The Bears have options within their roster to mitigate Odeyingbo's absence.
- Montez Sweat, another defensive end, has been signed to start opposite Odeyingbo, and Austin Booker was recently activated off IR, contributing with a sack in his first game back.
What to watch: The Bears front office, led by general manager Ryan Poles, has been proactive in seeking trades to bolster the roster.
- Head coach Ben Johnson emphasized the importance of depth in both the pass-rushing and secondary positions, hinting at potential trade discussions as the deadline approaches.
The bottom line: While Odeyingbo's injury is a significant setback for the Bears, the organization appears committed to addressing its defensive needs through available resources, whether that involves internal adjustments or external acquisitions.
