The Chicago Bears fan base was hoping to get some good news from the first injury report for Week 16, but it doesn't appear to be great for the wide receiver position.
Keep in mind that the first report is an estimation as the Bears participated in a walkthrough. Four players were listed as not practicing, including wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Odunze has missed the last two games with his foot injury, while Burden was knocked out of the Bears' 31-3 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 15 with an ankle injury.
Here is the full injury report:
12/16/2025 Bears injury Report
- Andrew Billings, DL (Illness, DNP)
- Luther Burden III, WR (Ankle, DNP)
- Rome Odunze, WR (Foot, DNP)
- Amen Ogbongbemiga, LB (Hamstring, DNP)
- Tremaine Edmunds, LB (Groin, Limited)
- Travis Homer, RB (Ankle, Limited)
- Cole Kmet, TE (Ankle/Knee, Limited)
- Tyson Bagent, QB (Illness, Full)
Bears fans still nervous about Odunze
This week is all about what will happen with Odunze. Week 15 proved that even though Odunze was active for the Browns game, it didn't mean he would play. Bears head coach Ben Johnson said they would be cautious with Odunze.
Chicago can't afford to lose both Odunze and Burden, as that would leave them without DJ Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus as the main starters. The Bears would probably feature more of the tight ends in the passing game with Kmet and Colston Loveland.
Edmunds practiced for the first time since having his 21-day practice window opened. The chances of him actually playing could be slim, as the Bears will also be cautious with them. Plus, D'Marco Jackson's emergence has made it easier for Chicago not rush Edmunds back too soon.
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The injury report is at least smaller than it has been in the past, but the wide receivers are drawing fans' attention on a short week with the NFC North on the line.