Posted on Dec 05

Bears WR Odunze ruled out for Packers game; Burden III, Zaccheaus to step up

Posted Dec 5, 2025

The Chicago Bears will face the Green Bay Packers without their top wide receiver, Rome Odunze, who is sidelined due to a foot injury.

Why it matters: Odunze’s absence significantly impacts the Bears’ aerial attack against a divisional rival.

As the leading receiver, he has been crucial to the team's offensive strategy.
This will mark his first missed game of the 2025 season, following a challenging year marred by foot and heel issues.

What’s new: The Bears are adjusting their roster as they prepare for the Packers.

Rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III and Olamide Zaccheaus are expected to step up in Odunze's absence, potentially increasing their target shares.
Coach Ben Johnson acknowledged that the passing game has not been a strong suit this season, stating, "We're winning in spite of our passing game, not because of it."

Yes, but: While the Bears have struggled to establish a potent passing offense, there are other players who could mitigate the loss of Odunze.

DJ Moore, Colston Loveland, and Cole Kmet may see more involvement as the team looks to diversify its offensive options.
The run game remains robust, highlighted by Kyle Monangai's recent 130-yard performance, which offers a dependable alternative if the passing game falters.

What to watch: Keep an eye on the impact of injuries among the Bears' defensive lineup.

Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II are also ruled out for the game, further complicating the Bears' defensive strategies against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' dynamic offense.
T.J. Edwards, returning after hand surgery and a hamstring issue, could bolster the defense, but his effectiveness remains to be seen.

The bottom line: With significant injuries affecting both their offense and defense, the Bears face a tough challenge against the Packers.

Their ability to adapt and leverage other weapons on offense will be critical in this high-stakes matchup.
The outcome could hinge on whether the team can maintain a balanced approach between the run and pass while ensuring defensive integrity against a formidable opponent.

Bears WR Odunze ruled out for Packers game; Burden III, Zaccheaus to step up

Alex Parker

Posted Dec 5, 2025

The Chicago Bears will face the Green Bay Packers without their top wide receiver, Rome Odunze, who is sidelined due to a foot injury.

Why it matters: Odunze’s absence significantly impacts the Bears’ aerial attack against a divisional rival.

As the leading receiver, he has been crucial to the team's offensive strategy.

This will mark his first missed game of the 2025 season, following a challenging year marred by foot and heel issues.

What’s new: The Bears are adjusting their roster as they prepare for the Packers.

Rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III and Olamide Zaccheaus are expected to step up in Odunze's absence, potentially increasing their target shares.

Coach Ben Johnson acknowledged that the passing game has not been a strong suit this season, stating, "We're winning in spite of our passing game, not because of it."

Yes, but: While the Bears have struggled to establish a potent passing offense, there are other players who could mitigate the loss of Odunze.

DJ Moore, Colston Loveland, and Cole Kmet may see more involvement as the team looks to diversify its offensive options.

The run game remains robust, highlighted by Kyle Monangai's recent 130-yard performance, which offers a dependable alternative if the passing game falters.

What to watch: Keep an eye on the impact of injuries among the Bears' defensive lineup.

Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II are also ruled out for the game, further complicating the Bears' defensive strategies against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' dynamic offense.

T.J. Edwards, returning after hand surgery and a hamstring issue, could bolster the defense, but his effectiveness remains to be seen.

The bottom line: With significant injuries affecting both their offense and defense, the Bears face a tough challenge against the Packers.

Their ability to adapt and leverage other weapons on offense will be critical in this high-stakes matchup.

The outcome could hinge on whether the team can maintain a balanced approach between the run and pass while ensuring defensive integrity against a formidable opponent.