Windy City Gridiron
As the Chicago Bears prepare for their 15th game of the season against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, the first official team injury reports for week 16 have been released.
The Bears had a walk-thru practice on Tuesday, so player participation listed on the injury report is an estimation. Four players were listed as DNP (did not practice) on the report: DL Andrew Billings (illness), WR Luther Burden III (ankle), WR Rome Odunze (foot), and LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (hamstring).
Additionally, LB Tremaine Edmunds (groin), RB Travis Homer (ankle), and TE Cole Kmet (ankle/knee) were listed as limited. QB Tyson Bagent had an illness but was a full participant.
Odunze was listed as a limited participant on last week’s first injury report, so the DNP designation does not seem to be great news if you were hoping that Odunze would be able to go this weekend. Ben Johnson has said they’re monitoring Odunze closely and that “all options are on the table.”
Johnson also noted they may have to protect Odunze from himself if it’s not the best idea to play. Reports indicate that he is considered week-to-week.
Odunze also missed the Bears’ previous game against the Packers on December 7th.
Additionally, Burden (DNP) is considered more day-to-day according to Johnson, so his situation will be worth monitoring closely as the week goes on. The Bears’ rookie WR is dealing with an ankle injury, unfortunate news considering he has become a major part of the offense in Odunze’s absence. The Bears potentially playing without both of them in an important game against Green Bay is far less than ideal.
Edmunds is another major name to follow as the week goes on. His 21 day window to return from IR has been opened, so the hope is he might be able to get back on the field this weekend. Prior to his injury, Edmunds had been the Bears’ most consistent linebacker this season, and arguably the most consistent player on the entire defense. He last played in the November 16th game at Minnesota.
The Packers’ injury report has not yet been released, but we will update this post when it occurs.
The Bears take on the Packers this Saturday night at Soldier Field in Chicago. The game takes place at 7:20 p.m. (Chicago time) and will be broadcast on FOX.
