Odunze expected to return vs. Packers after 5-game absence

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze will be back in the starting lineup for Saturday’s wild-card matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Odunze, who was a full participant in Thursday’s practice, wasn’t given an injury designation ahead of the Bears’ playoff tilt. The second-year wideout missed the final five games of the regular season due to a foot injury.

“I feel good,” Odunze said, according to team reporter Larry Mayer. “I’m excited. Obviously, we’ll see what happens. I’ve been in preparation for it for five weeks now. The strength staff did a great job of continuing to prepare me and get me to a spot where I feel comfortable, and I do.”

He added: “I’m ready to go out there and give my all.”

Odunze has been dealing with a stress fracture in his foot. The Washington product attempted to return against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 14 after missing the Chicago’s first meeting with Green Bay the week prior, but he re-aggravated the injury during pregame warmups and was ruled out prior to kickoff.

Odunze has become one of quarterback Caleb Williams’ favorite targets, catching 44 passes for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games this season.

“I’m excited to have him back,” Williams said. “We were talking a few weeks ago when he went down (in) pregame. (I) texted him after the game and said, ‘I got you, and we’ll get to the playoffs, and we’ll handle business when you come back, but I need you back healthy and ready to go’”

Cornerback Kyler Gordon (groin) and offensive tackle Braxton Jones (knee) were listed as questionable for Saturday. Both players would need to be activated from injured reserve to be eligible to play against Green Bay.

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