NFL Rumors: Bears' Rome Odunze Week-to-Week After Knee Injury Diagnosed as MCL Sprain

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze is considered "week-to-week" with an MCL sprain that he suffered during the team's 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero . Odunze sustained the injury while blocking during a run play in the fourth quarter, as a Titans defender landed on his leg. He left the game and did not return.

The 22-year-old was targeted four times in his NFL debut, hauling in one reception for 11 yards. The Bears' offense as a whole wasn't able to stay consistent against Tennessee, mustering just 148 total yards. However, they still secured the 17-point comeback win due to several exceptional plays on defense and special teams.



Odunze wasn't the only Bears rookie with a relatively quiet debut, as Caleb Williams finished 14-of-29 for 93 yards without recording a touchdown or an interception. Still, Odunze entered the regular season with high expectations after Chicago selected him with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

The former Washington standout got off to a strong start in preseason, hauling in a 45-yard catch against the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 17. He also earned praise from his veteran teammates throughout training camp, including six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen.

"He's a little bit better than me when I came in," Allen said, per ESPN's Courtney Cronin . "He's faster. He comes out of his breaks better than I did when I was that young.

He looks like more polished than I was as a receiver." With Odunze reportedly expected to miss some time, Tyler Scott and DeAndre Carter could earn larger roles alongside Allen and DJ Moore in Chicago's starting lineup. The Bears will attempt to survive without the rookie and secure a 2-0 start in their Week 2 matchup with the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football .

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