Chicago Bears inactives list for Week 2 game against the Houston Texans

The two biggest questions that the Chicago Bears had on their injury report this week was the status of wide receivers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze.

Early reports on Sunday morning did seem to indicate that Odunze, after suffering a Grade 1 MCL sprain last week against the Tennessee Titans, would play on Sunday night. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounded the status of Allen, with speculation suggesting that the veteran wide receiver would be inactive against the Texans.

Full Inactives List for Chicago Bears

Key Absences and Their Impact

Offensive Impact

• Considering the IR designation on Saturday, veteran offensive lineman Ryan Bates isn't technically among the inactive players listed but his absence will be felt. Bates was quick to replace Nate Davis during the Bears' victory against the Titans. Given the injury to Bates, Davis' success at the right guard position becomes the biggest storyline to follow on the Bears' offensive line.

• With Keenan Allen sidelined on Sunday night, pressure is on both Odunze and second-year wide receiver Tyler Scott. Despite the injury, Odunze will likely serve as the starting wide receiver on the opposite side of DJ Moore. Meanwhile, Scott, after being inactive last week, could slide into the slot receiver role on Sunday night.

• With Velus Jones Jr. also inactive, the Bears may be planning to use Khalil Herbert more than they did during the first game of the season. Jones, after a fumble during a kickoff last week, seems to be falling out of favor with the team's coaching staff

Defensive Impact

• Dominique Robinson is only inactive for the defense. Considering the emergence of Darrell Taylor last week, Robinson will likely be near the bottom of the defensive end depth chart for the remainder of the season,

Special Teams Impact

• Considering the fumble last week, Jones may not return to kickoff return duties for the rest of this season. DeAndre Carter impressed last week and should be the return specialist moving forward as long as he is healthy.

 Full Inactives List for Houston Texans