The Bears have their Week 1 roster mostly set. Caleb Williams is the first-team quarterback. The real question is whether third-year receiver Rome Odunze can play Sunday at Carolina. He is day-to-day with a new injury, separate from last year’s foot problem, and he will not practice Tuesday. Coach Ben Johnson said he is still hopeful Odunze is ready for the opener. If he sits, Chicago loses its top outside target and the offense has to find that speed somewhere else.
The Lineup Solidifies While Odunze Sits
Head coach Ben Johnson has made his stance clear on the offensive line. “Johnson recently confirmed that Braxton Jones is the starting left tackle,” per Bears Wire. This decision locks down a position that saw plenty of debate during training camp. Jones edges out Ozzy Trapilo for the spot, according to reports. The rest of the first-team offensive line features Joe Thuney at left guard, Garrett Bradbury in the middle, Jonah Jackson at right guard, and Darnell Wright on the right side. The defense mirrors this stability with Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo flanking Grady Jarrett and Kentavius Street on the front four.
Offense looks set with D’Andre Swift leading the backfield. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III are listed as the top wide receivers, yet the injury cloud looms. “Johnson said Tuesday that the third-year receiver is day-to-day and won’t practice Tuesday because of an injury that is different from the foot problem he battled last season,” according to reports. This distinction matters because it suggests the issue is not a lingering old wound but a new setback. The coaching staff will evaluate the situation closely before the game against Carolina.
A Two-Tight End Shift and Safety Uncertainty
The depth chart reveals a distinct shift toward a heavy tight end rotation. First-team tight ends include both Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland. This two-tight end look could force defenses to adjust their coverage schemes early in the season. On the defensive side, the linebacker corps features T.J. Edwards and Devin Bush as the starters. The secondary sees Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson as the top cornerbacks, with Cam Lewis taking the nickel cornerback role.
However, the Bears have things figured out at safety. Dillon Thieneman and Xavier Woods are the two starting safeties.Â
What the Panthers Game Will Show
The season opener against the Carolina Panthers will serve as the ultimate test for this depth chart. If Odunze cannot play, the receiving corps loses its top target.
