Odunze foot concerns hang over Bears’ 2026 division push

Burden averaged 7.1 yards after the catch in 2025.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 271 min read

Steve Smith Sr. & James Palmer address Bears fans' anxiety surrounding Rome Odunze's comments about his lingering fo Via @JamesPalmerTV on X

What happened: Odunze said calluses from his foot injury altered its bone structure, describing the change as his “new normal” while saying he is not always in pain. Steve Smith Sr. and James Palmer paired that concern with Luther Burden III’s run-after-catch ability in assessing Chicago’s receiving room.

Why it matters: Odunze missed the final five games of the 2025 regular season, making his availability a central variable for the offense. Burden’s development could reduce that dependence as the Chicago Bears pursue the NFC North title.

By the numbers: Burden produced 334 yards after the catch on 47 receptions in 2025, a 7.1-yard average. Odunze recorded 44 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games.

What to watch: Odunze’s workload and response to padded practices will be the next indicators when Bears veterans report July 28.

Sources

@JamesPalmerTV 2026-07-27T21:33:32.198267+00:00

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