Key Bears get good news, as Rome Odunze eyes return. Health boosts Chicago's chances against a formidable Browns pass defense.
Thursday's injury report for the Chicago Bears had some great news for a few key players on the team.
In their last game against the Green Bay Packers, the Bears were without receiver Rome Odunze (foot), defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (hip) and linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (shoulder).
Chicago ultimately lost 28-21 to Green Bay, falling to second in the NFC North and to the No. 7 seed in the conference. The game came down to a 4th-and-1 on the Green Bay 14-yard line, as Caleb Williams just missed tight end Cole Kmet and threw an interception.
However, things were trending in the right direction for multiple players on Thursday. Odunze was limited the last two days, but if he can become a full participant on Friday, there's a good chance he will play on Sunday.
Stevenson and receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (hamstring) were also limited. The only players who haven't practiced so far are defensive back Kyler Gordon (groin) and running back Travis Homer (ankle).
Gordon was injured in pregame warmups on Sunday at Lambeau Field. Defensive back Jaylon Johnson (groin) and Hyppolite were both full participants.
Getting Odunze back for the Cleveland Browns game would be a huge boost, especially considering how limited D.J. Moore was in the loss to the Packers.
Odunze leads Chicago with 661 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
If Chicago's leading receiver can play, it would also help, considering how solid Cleveland's pass defense has been this season. While the Browns come into the matchup at 3-10, they allow the second-fewest passing yards per game (188).
The only team that allows fewer is the Buffalo Bills at 185.5.
Then there is the need for more corners, with Gordon likely not playing on Sunday. Even if Stevenson is healthy, you can still expect to see C.J. Gardner-Johnson back in the nickel role.
Gardner-Johnson has carved out a solid role with the secondary, recording 33 total tackles, three sacks and one TFL. Ben Johnson updated the timeline on Gordon recently, saying that it is to be determined.
"To be determined," Johnson said. "I haven't heard over the last couple of days just the extent of it, but you know, coming out of that one, it didn't look very good." Johnson said.
The Bears' defense will face quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Sanders has 769 passing yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions this season.
Kickoff is at noon CT on Fox.