The Chicago Bears are anticipating first-round rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze’s return to the practice field as they resume OTAs this week.
Odunze, the No. 9 overall pick in 2024, has been sidelined since experiencing hamstring tightness on the first day of rookie minicamp on May 10. He missed the second day of minicamp and the first three OTA practices last week as a precaution, according to NBC Sports Chicago.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus expressed optimism that Odunze will begin ramping up his activities when the team practices again on Tuesday, May 28. “Rome’s starting to work out there, did some walk-throughs today,” Eberflus told reporters after last Thursday’s practice. “We’re hopeful that he’ll be starting to ramp back in there next week during the OTAs that we have next week.”
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The Bears still have veteran receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen to work with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams while Odunze recovers. Odunze, who caught 92 passes for an FBS-leading 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns for Washington in 2023, has the potential to become a key player for the Bears’ offense. More practice time with Williams will be beneficial.
The Bears have six more practices scheduled before a break until training camp in late July. They will conclude OTAs with three voluntary practices (May 28-29, May 31) and a mandatory minicamp next week (June 4-6).
**Bears Don’t Need to Rush Rome Odunze to Stardom**
A healthy Rome Odunze is a valuable asset for the Chicago Bears. As a top-10 pick and highly-rated receiver prospect, the Bears were eager to draft him, nearly trading up to secure his selection.
However, the Bears do not need to rush Odunze’s development into the NFL’s next star. While he is expected to play a significant role in the Bears’ offense in 2024, he is currently their third-best receiver. DJ Moore returns as the Bears’ No. 1 receiver after a career-high season, and the team also acquired six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen.
With veteran tight end Cole Kmet and newly signed running back D’Andre Swift, the Bears have ample pass-catching options. Odunze will get opportunities but won’t need to be the focal point of the offense immediately.
**Tyler Scott Could Be Secret Weapon for Bears in 2024**
The Bears’ receiving corps has received much attention this offseason. If Odunze lives up to his first-round potential, the Bears could have one of the NFL’s most potent receiving trios by the end of 2024. Amid this excitement, Tyler Scott, a 2023 fourth-round pick, has been overlooked but shouldn’t be.
Scott showed flashes of his speed in his rookie season but had limited opportunities. Despite some mistakes, a second-year jump is possible for Scott. Bears general manager Ryan Poles praised Scott’s speed and ball-tracking ability, comparing him to Seattle Seahawks star Tyler Lockett. If offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who coached Lockett in Seattle, can harness Scott’s potential, he could become a significant deep-ball threat for the Bears.
