The Chicago Bears are carefully monitoring the knee injury of first-round rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze as they head into the second week of the 2024 season. Although the team is not yet ready to rule him out for Sunday Night Football in Week 2, his status remains uncertain.
Head coach Matt Eberflus updated reporters on September 11, noting that Odunze, who sustained an MCL sprain during the Week 1 win over Tennessee, is considered “day-to-day” and will miss Wednesday’s practice. Eberflus, however, indicated that the team believes Odunze is “in a good spot” and described the injury as “nothing serious.”
Eberflus remarked on Wednesday that it’s fortunate the injury isn’t more severe. “When someone falls on your leg like that, it’s always a relief to find out it’s not serious,” he said.
This positive update contrasts with earlier reports suggesting Odunze might be out for three to six weeks due to a Grade 1 MCL sprain, as initially assessed by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. However, ESPN Chicago’s Marc Silverman provided a more optimistic view, indicating that Odunze’s condition has improved.
Silverman explained on September 10’s ‘Waddle & Silvy’ show that while Odunze initially felt fine after the game, he experienced tenderness in his knee the following morning, leading the team to have him undergo an MRI. The results confirmed a Grade 1 MCL sprain, and while his status for the Week 2 game against the Texans remains uncertain, Silverman suggested that it would be surprising if Odunze played.
In addition to Odunze’s injury, the Bears are also keeping an eye on Keenan Allen’s heel issue. Eberflus mentioned that Allen did not practice on Wednesday to allow for additional rest. Despite dealing with a heel problem since August 24’s practice, Allen played in the win over the Titans, leading the team with 11 targets and four receptions for 29 yards.
While the Bears are taking a cautious approach with Allen’s heel, Odunze’s situation is more pressing. His status for Week 2 will be monitored closely, and the final injury report will provide more clarity.