Rome Odunze injury update: Should fantasy managers be concerned about Bears WR for Week 2 fantasy football?
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze made his NFL debut on Sunday as his team defeated the Tennessee Titans 24-17. Odunze was one of the Bears' 2024 first-round selections along with Caleb Williams who they picked first overall.
Coming out of Washington, Odunze is expected to be a reliable pass-catching option for Williams and the Bears. He had 81 receptions for 1,640 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
Odunze joined a wide receiving corps that includes D.J. Moore and veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, who the team acquired via trade this offseason. Serving as WR3, Odunze has a great opportunity to shine this season as a rookie.
Rome Odunze injury update: What happened to Bears WR?
While he played the first game of his NFL career on Sunday, while not being a very injury-prone wide receiver, Rome Odunze didn't leave unscathed. On Monday, NFL insider Adam Schefter was reported that the Bears WR sprained his MCL. The return status for Odunze is week to week. Odunze went through MRI earlier in the day. Schefter posted on x:
"Bears first-round pick Rome Odunze sprained his MCL and will be considered week to week, per source."
It is believed that Odunze suffered the injury with 4:22 left in the fourth quarter on a 20-yard run by D'Andre Swift. Odunze was seen limping off of the field after the play.
(Update) Matt Eberflus, after practice on Wednesday, September 11th, announced that WR Rome Odunze avoided a long-term absence after facing injury during the week 1 game against the Titans.
Rome Odunze only made one catch in his NFL debut
In his NFL debut, Rome Odunze had one reception for 11 yards on four total targets. It was a memorable first reception as it was unplanned.
Williams attempted a pass to DJ Moore, but the ball was deflected back into the air and Odunze jumped and came down with it. Immediately after securing it, he turned around, got hit and fumbled the ball. Luckily, the Bears were able to recover.
After the game, Odunze discussed with reporters how crazy and memorable the play was.
"That was crazy. I seen the ball in the air, so I tried to make a play on it. As soon as I came down it seemed like I was getting hit by somebody.”
Rome Odunze will have many more receptions in his career but none may be as memorable as his first career catch.
For now, there aren't many details about his injury and his status for Week 2 remains unknown.