Bears LB T.J. Edwards set to return after missing 4 games -- but WR Rome Odonze ruled out for Sunday

Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune on Dec 5, 2025

Published in Football

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CHICAGO — It was good news and bad news Friday for the Chicago Bears on the injury front.

Starting linebacker T.J. Edwards appears set to return Sunday after missing four games with hand and hamstring injuries, but wide receiver Rome Odunze will miss his first career game with a foot injury.

The loss of Odunze is a significant setback with the Bears facing the Green Bay Packers for the first of two games between the longtime division rivals in 14 days.

The second-year wideout, who leads the Bears in receptions (44) and yards (661), has been dealing with a heel injury that has been “progressive” throughout the season.

“Obviously he’s a big part of the passing game, we know that,” receiver Olamide Zaccheaus said. “It’s just next-man-up mentality. We’re confident in our room and the abilities that we have. Whoever needs to step up will.”

Meanwhile, Edwards told reporters Friday that he’s “absolutely” eager to return to game action — just in time to face the Packers.

“Feels like it’s been a long time,” he said. “Excited to get out there. Good week of practice. Now going up to Lambeau (Field), no better way to do it.”

After being listed as a limited participant Wednesday and Thursday, Edwards was upgraded to a full participant after Friday’s practice and carries no injury designation for Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field.

Fellow linebacker Noah Sewell (elbow) practiced in full for the entire week and projects to start alongside Edwards, reinforcing a unit that has been banged up in recent weeks. Starting linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (groin) was placed on injured reserve Nov. 22 and will miss his third straight game.

Last season, Edwards was second on the team in tackles (129) and third in sacks (four). He has 31 tackles this season.

Edwards missed the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings and games against the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders because of a lingering hamstring injury. He had surgery on his broken right hand in early November but went on injured reserve because he was dealing with two injuries.

“I think if it was just the hand, I would’ve come back the next week,” he said. “But (I was) dealing with that hamstring still, and it’s finally starting to feel really good.”

Edwards said he plans to wear protection for his hand.

“Nothing crazy, just like a little pad on there,” he said.

The Bears defense managed to hold up despite missing its top three linebackers — Edmunds, Edwards and Sewell — with special teamers D’Marco Jackson and Amen Ogbongbemiga leading the game in tackles against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 23.

“I was honestly super excited for them,” Edwards said. “It’s a game where injuries happen and I’ve been in their roles before. So I think for us to step up and us not miss a beat on defense, it’s really cool to see.”