Chicago Bears Wide Receiver Expects to Play Against Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are hoping to get their 2026 season off to a good start. 

With doubters this offseason about how good the Panthers will be, Sunday presents a big opportunity for the team. They will host the Chicago Bears, a team that won the NFC North last season and reached the divisional round before losing to the Los Angeles Rams.

Under Ben Johnson, the Bears are took a huge step forward last season and are looking to continue that this season. Johnson, a North Carolina native, is one of the top offensive minds in the NFL so it will be a challenge for Dave Canales and his team. 

As we get set for the game on Sunday, there are some injury concerns regarding both teams. 

Carolina received some good news with Jonathon Brooks being ready to go. And now one Bears' wide receiver sounds like he's ready to play on Sunday. 

Wide receiver Rome Odunze is listed as questionable on the injury report released on Friday, being limited all week in practice. However, when Odunze spoke to the media on Friday, it sounded like he will be ready to go. 

"I feel ready to go," Odunze told Bears reporters on Friday. "I doubt I'm questionable. I know there's a way everybody goes about things. I feel pretty good, I was out there today. I plan on playing." 

Odunze then told reporters that he strained his calf at practice last week which was what put him on the injured list. He's sat out most of the practices since but was out there on Friday as a limited participant. 

The wide receiver is crucial for the Bears' success this season. With DJ Moore off to Buffalo, Odunze and second-year receiver Luther Burden are expected to be the top two in the offense and fill that void left by Moore. Being healthy is a good way to do that and Odunze sounds like he's reaady to play.

But in the end, it sounds like it will be a coach decision as the Bears will trust their training staff with the big decision.