Key Bears receivers are sidelined heading into a crucial playoff matchup. Will others rise to the challenge against Green Bay's stingy pass defense?
The Chicago Bears may need to overcome some obstacles in their upcoming game with the Green Bay Packers.
The Wednesday injury report was released, and both Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III didn't participate for the second straight day. Odunze has missed the last two games with a foot injury, while Burden suffered an ankle injury in the 31-3 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga (hamstring) was the only other player who didn't participate on Wednesday. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (groin), tight end Cole Kmet (ankle/knee) and running back D'Andre Swift (groin) were all limited.
Quarterback Tyson Bagent (illness), defensive lineman Andrew Billings (illness) and running back Travis Homer (ankle) participated in full capacity.
The injuries come at an unfortunate time for Chicago, as this game with Green Bay will have significant postseason implications.
It's even more unfortunate for Burden, who appeared to be catching his stride recently. Burden finished the last game with 84 receiving yards before exiting due to the injury.
The Bears have a decision to make with Odunze. The franchise could decide to shut him down for the rest of the year, as it did with cornerback Kyler Gordon.
Gordon was supposed to return against the Packers in Week 14 after a stint on the injured reserve because of a calf injury, but suffered a groin injury in pregame warmups and is now out for the season.
It's a tough spot to be in because the Bears have their last three games all against NFC opponents. The NFC playoff race is also very tight with three games left in the regular season.
Just last Sunday, the Packers were the No. 2 seed and lost to the Denver Broncos, as they switched places with the Bears and fell to the No. 7 seed.
Green Bay is also dealing with injuries in the receiving corps. Packers' receiver Christian Watson suffered a chest injury while attempting a contested catch against the Broncos. He was a limited participant on Wednesday.
Watson had a great game against the Bears in Week 14, going for 89 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Luckily for the Bears, D.J. Moore proved he can also step up when called upon. With Odunze out, he finished with 69 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
However, like the Browns, the Packers have a solid pass defense. Cleveland allows the third fewest (191.8), while Green Bay allows the seventh-fewest passing yards per game (208.6).
Kickoff is at 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC from Soldier Field, as the Bears will need other receivers besides Moore to step up on Saturday.