As the Chicago Bears entered the long Labor Day weekend, they got bad news when two of their top offensive players left practice early.
Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze appeared to have suffered a lower-body injury, while running back D'Andre Swift had a core injury. Bears fans didn't need more injuries after seeing so many throughout training camp.
As they entered Week 1 preparation for the Carolina Panthers game, they hoped the Bears would be healthier. Their first practice revealed everything they needed to know.
Bears' first Week 1 injury update was for the most part good for the team
Swift wasn't the only running back dealing with injuries. Kyle Monangai had his own issues: a hyperextended knee injury, but he's been slowly getting back into practice since.
ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin gave an update on all things from the first practice of the week. Cronin revealed who was on the field and who wasn't.
"Bears held a 40 minute practice (mostly indy and group drills) that opened with the “Raise Up” all cities remix. Fitting ahead or their opener at Carolina.
Welcome back, Kyle Monangai. D’Andre Swift was also back at practice after leaving Thursday’s session due to cramping.
Full attendance minus Rome Odunze."
Not having Odunze on the practice field is not exactly a great look for the Bears. He missed the final five games of last season with a foot injury, and he was finally 100% healthy until this new injury.
It was originally reported at the start of the weekend that it looked like Odunze was going to be okay. His not practicing at the start of the week isn't the end of the world since it was a lighter workout, but if he doesn't get more involved in team drills the rest of the week, questions will be raised.
Focusing on the good news, Swift and Monangai look solid in practice, which is a great sign. The two combined for over 1,700 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, making them one of the best running back duos in the NFL.
Chicago finally feels healthy at the right time after losing so many players throughout training camp. This practice didn't feature any new injuries, so it's already been a good start to the week.
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Odunze will need to be monitored for the rest of the week to see how he is doing, but for now, things seem to be trending in the right direction.
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