Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Rome Odunze is day-to-day after leg injury

9/9/2026

11 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Odunze Day-to-Day

Head coach Ben Johnson says Rome Odunze is day-to-day after a leg injury.
Odunze missed Tuesday’s practice and was pulled from Wednesday’s session as a precaution.
Johnson clarified the injury differs from last season’s foot stress fracture and was not aggravated.
The Bears hope he will be cleared for Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers.

Summary

Bears Deadline

The NFL’s first mandatory injury-report deadline falls on Wednesday, forcing the Bears to estimate player availability.
The Bears will hold a Tuesday afternoon practice and observe a Wednesday off before the season opener.
Coach Ben Johnson said Odunze has three additional chances to practice before the final roster decision.
The Bears entered 2026 after winning the NFC North title in 2025 and aim for a playoff return.

History

Historical Context

Since the league introduced a mandatory injury-report deadline, all 32 NFL clubs must submit player status by 4 p.m. Eastern each Tuesday. The Chicago Bears, who finished fourth in the NFC North in 2024, regularly use the report to manage roster depth and health as they chase a playoff spot. The rule’s transparency influences weekly strategic decisions.

1 of 3

Odunze Day-to-Day

Head coach Ben Johnson says Rome Odunze is day-to-day after a leg injury.
Odunze missed Tuesday’s practice and was pulled from Wednesday’s session as a precaution.
Johnson clarified the injury differs from last season’s foot stress fracture and was not aggravated.
The Bears hope he will be cleared for Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers.

1 / 3