While the NFL teams are struggling with injuries in their roster, the Chicago Bears could consider themselves fortunate to get some good news. Rookie WR Rome Odunze, who had been subjected to limited practice on Friday, might have a role to play against the Texans. After suffering an MCL sprain in last week’s match-up against the Titans, Odunze is in contention for an unexpected return.
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Although his knee has yet to recover fully, he remains adamant that it is just a pain-tolerance issue. Even the rookie himself was optimistic about his presence in this week’s clash against Houston. Speaking to the reporters, Odunze added, “Limited work today. Felt good. Just trying to get back to being myself out there, and that’s the only product. I want to put out on the field, so today was a little bit of a test of that, and it felt good. So we’ll see what happens moving forward.”
Rome Odunze Active
Bears WR Rome Odunze (knee) is active for tonight’s game vs. the Texans. The rookie only got in a limited practice on Friday – but he said the knee is just a pain-tolerance issue. So there’s a chance he’s able to play his usual snapload tonight… pic.twitter.com/wnUMyosCfO
— Draft Sharks (@DraftSharks) September 15, 2024
Elsewhere, he is not the only person who is seemingly offering a boost to the Bears receiver room going into week 2. As WR Keenan Allen, who was out with a heel injury, is deemed to return on Sunday night. Although his status remains questionable, head coach Matt Eberflus offered an update on the same, “It was just something that happened in training camp with the heel…. we just wanted to give it some rest.”
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However, Eberflus has remained optimistic about both WRs’ return this weekend, “We’re going to take it all the way up to the game to see if they can go.” Well, the returning WRs are not the only players who can help the Bears take on the Texans in Houston. Even defensive end DeMarcus Walker, who suffered a foot injury last Sunday, might return after taking part in full practice on Friday.
But offensive lineman Ryan Bates and fullback Khari Blasingame remain out after being unable to practice on Friday. Instead of Bates, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury, guard Nate Davis will play on Sunday. As conveyed by Eberflus, “[Davis] had a really consistent practice this week and was really on it in terms of runs and pass, in terms of his responsibilities and technique. I thought he really improved this week.”
From the looks of it, the Bears might have a few tricks up their sleeves to keep the Texans on their toes and secure their second win. Will the Texans stop them while continuing their winning run to the regular season amid the injury troubles on their roster?
Houston Texans injury report before taking on the Bears on Sunday night
The Texans could consider themselves fortunate as they don’t have a lot to ponder regarding their injury reserves. Out of all the players who might not play their role in Houston, center Juice Scruggs remains the most notable absence. After being limited in training all week, Scruggs is continuing his recovery from a groin injury. Instead of Scruggs, it would be Jarrett Patterson, who might start at NRG Stadium.
Although there aren’t any big surprises from the latest injury report released by the Texans. Dameon Pierce(hamstring) and M.J Stewart(knee) are a few of the absentees from the squad. Amid all the injuries that both teams are facing, this clash would surely be an exciting match-up.
Well, rookie QB Caleb Williams, who had an okayish start to his NFL career, would also be looking to prove his worth in the grandest stage of all. At the same time, going against him is last season’s ‘Offensive Rookie of the Year,’ C.J. Stroud, who could offer a teaser to Williams about the expectations at the pinnacle of professional football. Ensure you don’t miss the clash, as both teams aim to make it two wins in a row this weekend.
Written by
Edited by
Garima Yadav