The NFL playoffs are in full swing and the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams will be facing each other next in the highly anticipated Divisional Round matchup.
The Bears are navigating through a thin roster for this one. Defensive back Nick McCloud has been ruled out with a groin injury while star rookie receiver Rome Odunze and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin are listed as questionable. Odunze, however, was a full participant in Friday’s practice, fueling optimism around his availability.
Safety CJ Gardner-Johnson and defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka are back from concussion protocol, giving a timely boost to the team. They provide immediate replacement for TJ Edwards and Ozzy Trapilo who were placed on injured reserve following the Bears’ Wild Card victory.
For the Los Angeles Rams, most of their key offensive weapons have been cleared for action. Quarterback Matthew Stafford will start despite nursing a sprained index finger on his throwing hand. Starting guard Kevin Dotson has also rehabilitated from his ankle injury, ensuring stability on the offensive line. Backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo (back) and defensive end Desjuan Johnson (illness) have been listed as questionable but head coach Sean McVay expects their availability for the game. Furthermore, depth pieces like tight end Terrance Ferguson and wide receiver Jordan Whittington have also been fully cleared.
Here is the official injury report, as per ESPN for Bears and Rams.
Bears vs Rams Injury Report
Chicago Bears
- CB Nick McCloud (groin; out)
- LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (questionable)
- WR Rome Odunze (foot; questionable)
- OT Ozzy Trapilo (knee; injured reserve)
- LB TJ Edwards (lower leg; injured reserve)
Los Angeles Rams
- DE Desjuan Johnson (illness; questionable)
- QB Jimmy Garoppolo (back; questionable)
- CB Ahkello Witherspoon (shoulder; injured reserve)
- LB Shaun Dolac (knee; injury reserve)
Will Rome Odunze Play For The Chicago Bears On Sunday?
The Bears have officially listed wide receiver Rome Odunze as questionable for tonight’s Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Though Odunze is dealing with a foot fracture, all signs point towards him suiting up. The rookie missed the final five games of the regular season but returned for the Wild Card win against the Packers on Friday.
Despite dealing with lingering soreness, Odunze expressed his determination to be on the field for this high-stakes game. He said,
“There was soreness, but at this part of the season, it’s all hands on deck and play through it. I’ll ride it ‘til the wheels fall off.”
Seeing this confidence of Odunze about his return, it is likely that he could be fielded for the game tonight.
Read More:
NFL Divisional Round Announcers: Full List of Broadcast Crew for Every Playoff Game
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