All Chicago Bears fans were excited to see wide receiver Rome Odunze being active for the Cleveland Browns game in Week 15, but found out at the last second that he would not play in a game they still won 31-3.
While it worked out well and the move made sense to rest his foot's stress fracture, it now comes down to an all-important week for the Bears as they face the hated Green Bay Packers in Week 16, which could ultimately be the NFC Division championship. The biggest question mark going into the game is whether Odunze will play.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson offered some insight into what the team is thinking, stating that "all options are on the table." Johnson is considering the upcoming game with Odunze and will be more cautious with his star receiver.
"There may be a case that we need to protect him from himself a little bit so he can help us down the road."
Will (or should) Rome Odunze play in the game?
While things slowed up for Odunze over the last five games he has played, he's still putting up good numbers this season. He has caught 44 receptions for 661 yards and a new career-high six touchdowns in 12 games.
The other thing to consider for Odunze is that the injury of rookie Luther Burden III in the Browns game might have a significant impact on the decision. Burden has an ankle injury and is considered day-to-day.
Depending on the severity of Burden's injury, the Bears might have to make a tough decision with Odunze. Without both guys, it would come down to DJ Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus to step up as the starters.
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This week's practices will be monitored more closely than any others this season as the Bears fan base tries to figure out what will happen with Burden and Odunze, but both returning could impact how Chicago plays against Green Bay.