The Chicago Bears will closely monitor rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze’s status after spraining his MCL during their 2024 season opener against the Tennessee Titans. With the Bears considering him week-to-week, the former Washington Huskie avoided a season-ending condition.
Odunze might have suffered the injury during a play in which rookie quarterback Caleb Williams threw a screen pass to Velus Jones Jr., who dashed for more yards before colliding with Odunze. Physical therapist Dr. Jeff Mueller shared the video showing Odunze rolling his ankle and possibly incurring some swelling.
While the injury looked gruesome, Odunze could play in Week 2 against the Houston Texans. He will need that game to bounce back and prove he’s worthy of the ninth-overall pick Chicago used on him this year.
Rome Odunze -
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 9, 2024
Watching his Right knee here as he gets rolled up.
Primary concern: MCL sprain
Secondary concern: meniscus due to the compression/shear
Would explain latent swelling and getting the MRI today versus yesterday. He probably came in painful/stiff.
Mild/Mod concern. https://t.co/RFwxRyqDHH pic.twitter.com/6TSveEe6Zo
The Bears might have won their season opener, but Odunze was a non-factor, finishing with an 11-yard catch. Jones or Tyler Scott might see some increased playing time if he misses some games.
However, Williams’ disappointing NFL debut might have affected his performance. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner generated a paltry 93 passing yards on 14 attempts, which won’t be enough against a high-powered Houston offense.
-Lance Fernandez