Rome Odunze Injury Update: Will Odunze Play in Week 1 vs. Panthers?

NFL Week 1 is upon us, and the Chicago Bears are one of the league’s most talked-about teams headed into the 2026 season in a loaded NFC North. 

WR Rome Odunze was a key part of last year’s high-powered offense under Ben Johnson, which saw four pass-catchers finish with 600+ yards, and three with 5+ TDs. 

After DJ Moore’s departure to the Buffalo Bills, Odunze is viewed as the new No. 1 receiver in Chicago, alongside second-year WR Luther Burden III.

However, Odunze is already dealing with a minor injury entering Week 1 after picking up an injury in practice last Thursday, September 3. Odunze was limited in practice with a calf injury on Wednesday, September 9 — the first official practice report of Week 1.

We’ll dive into the latest Rome Odunze injury update, cover whether Odunze will play in Week 1, and note how his playing status could move Bears WR projections for PrizePicks. 

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Rome Odunze Injury Update: Will Odunze Play in Week 1 vs. Panthers?

Odunze was injured in practice last week, as he limped off the field during Thursday’s session. He tried to continue but was later taken off the field for the remainder of practice.

The most recent update on Odunze was somewhat promising, but as it does keep him very much in play for Week 1. According to Ben Johnson, Odunze is day-to-day with a calf injury, but is hopeful to play. The injury is not related to the foot injury last season.

Fast forward to this week, Odunze was limited in Wednesday’s practice to start the week, and looks to be leaning toward playing this week. Follow Thursday and Friday’s practice reports to confirm his status before playing him in your lineups.

The Bears still carry just five WRs on the depth chart, meaning Odunze should be in good shape to play in the season opener.

The third-year WR missed Weeks 14-18 last season, so he’s no stranger to injuries. He finished the season with 44 receptions, 661 yards, and 6 TDs.

Rome Odunze Week 1 Stat Projections vs. Panthers

Here’s what PrizePicks is projecting Rome Odunze for in Week 1 of the NFL season, assuming he plays. If Odunze is sidelined, these picks will go DNP and void, reducing the payout of any lineups including him.

• 43.5 receiving yards
• 2.5 receptions (Goblin)
• 6.5 targets
• 19.5 yards longest reception
• 9.5 fantasy score
• 0.5 player TDs (Demon)

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Rome Odunze Fantasy Football Outlook & Bears’ WR Depth Chart for Week 1

Entering year three, Odunze is the No. 1 receiver in a Bears offense that should be one of the best in the league. However, WR Luther Burden III is expected to take a big year-two leap by many in the team’s organization.

If Odunze misses time with the calf injury, it shouldn’t be long; however, Burden and TE Colston Loveland should see a large uptick in targets. When Odunze missed Weeks 14-18 last season, Burden put up 21 receptions, 324 yards, and 4 TDs in just three games.

Loveland had a similar late rookie breakout to Burden while Odunze missed time, netting 27 receptions, 307 yards, and 3 TDs over the final five weeks of the season.

The WR room for the Bears is much thinner than in 2025, as they’ve lost DJ Moore (Bills) and Keenan Allen (Colts) in the offseason. Behind Burden is Kalif Raymond, Zavion Thomas, and Jahdae Walker, which may get into real game action at some point this year.

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Rome Odunze Fantasy Football Projections for 2026 NFL Season

PrizePicks has plenty of Rome Odunze projections on the NFLSZN board, including picks for receiving yards, TDs, and more. These are season-long stat projections available exclusively before the season starts.

Here are some popular Odunze projections to consider for the entire 2026 NFL season:

• 799.5 receiving yards
• 58.5 receptions
• 6 receiving TDs

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The Bears offense is projected to be one of the league's best under Ben Johnson, and Odunze will be a big factor as the new WR1. He has yet to hit 1,000 yards in his first two seasons, and this will be his best chance to emerge, thanks to the departure of WR DJ Moore.

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