LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears’ final injury report ahead of Sunday Night Football reveals that the team will be missing two depth players: offensive lineman Ryan Bates and fullback Khari Blasingame, who will both sit out against the Houston Texans. The status of starting receivers Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen remains uncertain, with both listed as questionable.
Allen did not participate in Friday’s practice, while Odunze was limited. The Bears may decide to be cautious with Odunze due to an MCL injury. Both players will be game-time decisions on Sunday.
Odunze described feeling a pop in his knee during the fourth quarter of last week’s win and decided not to push through the pain. After consulting with a doctor, Odunze was assured that playing wouldn’t risk further injury.
“That’s not their opinion of it,” Odunze said. “If there was any risk of anything further, I wouldn’t play.”
Odunze emphasized that his decision to practice was based on medical advice, and he plans to continue monitoring the injury closely.
The Bears would benefit greatly from having Odunze and Allen in the lineup, especially against a team with Super Bowl ambitions like the Texans. The absence of Bates, who has been rotating at right guard with Nate Davis and also serves as a key depth player at guard and center, poses a challenge. Offensive line coach Chris Morgan noted that the rotation of Bates and Davis was influenced by recent injuries.
“Both of those guys were dealing with some things in the last month, which plays into it,” Morgan said. “When you have two experienced and quality players, it’s not just a straightforward decision.”
With Bates out, the Bears will rely on backups like Bill Murray and Matt Pryor to fill the gap at right guard.
