The Chicago Bears are sitting atop the NFC North after a Week 15 win, but their 10-4 record doesn't feel as great, thanks to some major uncertainty surrounding Rome Odunze.
He came into the week banged up, but was initially not on the team's inactive list for Week 15. There was hope Odunze would play. But then, shortly before game time, Odunze tweaked something and was ruled out of the Week 15 matchup.
The day after the big Week 15 win, Bears head coach Ben Johnson, as Courtney Cronin of ESPN shared, revealed a concerning update on Oduzne's future with the Bears this season.
Bears' Ben Johnson shares concerning Rome Odunze update after injury setback
"Ben Johnson said 'all options are on the table,' regarding Rome Odunze's foot injury and whether the team will shut him down for a stretch of time to get him healthy, ready for a potential playoff run." Cronin shared.
Johnson explained further, "There may be a case that we need to protect him from himself a little bit so he can help us down the road."
Odunze is facing a potential major decision this season. If Johnson and the medical staff decide so, the Bears might end up shutting Odunze down for the rest of the regular season.
More: Why Rome Odunze isn't playing today for Bears with shocking injury news
This concerning report from Cronin indicates that the Bears are strongly considering Odunze's short-term future with the team. He should be okay for the playoffs based on the wording from Johnson, but the regular season might be a different question.
So far this season, Odunze has 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns. It's been a productive year two, but since the bye, he's significantly slowed down.
But in the last two weeks, the injury to Odunze's foot has kept him out, and now, it poses a risk of him missing more time.
The setback on Sunday before the Cleveland Browns matchup was major news in the moment, and it's now potentially leading to Oduzne being shut down for a portion of the season to get healthy.
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