Chicago Bears fans probably had flashbacks to Kevin White when the news came down that rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze was getting an MRI because of a knee issue. White, a former 7th overall pick, saw his career derailed by leg injuries. This couldn’t be happening again. Odunze’s injury stemmed from Velus Jones and a Titans defender colliding with the back of his legs. Fans could end up in a dark place if the results came back bad. Thankfully, reports indicated it was an MCL sprain. Nothing season-ending.
The next question was obvious. When could Odunze return to the field? Mark Silverman of Waddle & Silvy provided some inside details on the situation. While the receiver wasn’t concerned with the issue, he felt enough tenderness a day after the injury to tell the training staff, which triggered the MRI.
Head coach Matt Eberflus has since corroborated this report. On The Rich Eisen Show, he revealed that Odunze is considered “day-to-day,” and there is a chance the rookie can play Sunday against the Houston Texans. They will see where he’s at on Wednesday and go from there.
Remember, this is the guy who was so unsatisfied with a time in a drill at the scouting combine that he kept running it again over and over, even after the event ended. He is a relentless competitor who hates leaving the field. It would explain why he sought a second opinion despite the positive prognosis. Odunze is likely hoping to get a green light to play on Sunday. Knowing how the Bears have operated under Eberflus, they tend to play it safe with player’s health. That is why the rookie sitting this week feels more likely.
While everybody wants to see Rome Odunze play, keeping him healthy for the long term has to be the Bears’ top priority. They want him around for 10-15 seasons. If that means sacrificing one week to ensure the knee is settled, so be it. Besides, the team has other options. D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen should be able to handle the load in the passing game with help from Cole Kmet. If he does play, it means the Bears are confident the injury doesn’t pose any additional risks.
