Caleb Williams anticipates a key offensive weapon's return, boosting playoff hopes as the Bears gear up for a crucial matchup against the Packers.
The Chicago Bears are trying to get as healthy as they can ahead of their playoff matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
Head coach Ben Johnson shared that the hope is to have Kyler Gordon back at practice this week. It sounds like the hopes of Johnson and Bears' fans everywhere were heard, as Gordon was designated for return from the injured reserve and had his 21-day practice window opened on Tuesday.
Gordon has dealt with hamstring, calf and groin injuries this season. He was placed on the IR for the second time in 2025 after suffering a groin injury in pregame warmups in Week 14.
However, it sounds like there is good news coming about Rome Odunze, who hasn't played since Week 13 with a stress fracture in his foot. Williams shared how excited he is to have the receiver back in action at Tuesday's press conference.
"Yeah, it's going to be great," Williams said. "I'm excited to have him back. You know, we were talking a few weeks ago, when he went down before pregame, texted him after the game, and said, 'I got you, and you know, we'll get to the playoffs, and we'll handle business when you come back, but I need you healthy and ready to go.'"
Odunze missed the first game with the Green Bay Packers in Week 14 and tried to return for the following matchup with the Cleveland Browns. However, he aggravated the injury in pregame warmups.
The wideout has 661 receiving yards and six touchdowns on the season.
The receivers' depth has been tested, but the Bears have lived up to the challenge. D.J. Moore and Luther Burden have stepped up when needed. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland continues to be an excellent option for Williams in the clutch.
Loveland led the Bears with 91 receiving yards and one touchdown in the 19-16 loss to the Detroit Lions.
The Packers allow the 10th-fewest passing yards per game (206.8), so getting a healthy receiving corps for that game is of the utmost importance.
Saturday's game with Green Bay will be the third time Chicago plays its hated rival this season, but it will definitely be the most important.
The last time that the Bears and Packers faced off in the postseason was in the 2010 NFC Championship. The Packers won that 21-14 and advanced to the Super Bowl.
The Wild Card matchup is set for a 7 p.m. CT kickoff on Prime Video. Local Chicago viewers can also tune in on Fox 32.