Reports: Bears rookie WR Rome Odunze dealing with left MCL sprain

Field Level Media|published: Mon 9th September, 23:37 2024

Aug 10, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears rookie receiver Rome Odunze has a left MCL sprain, multiple media outlets reported Monday night.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus said the injury occurred while Odunze was engaged in a blocking assignment. Odunze was scheduled to get an MRI earlier Monday, and Eberflus initially wasn't sure of the severity of the injury.

"We'll see," Eberflus told reporters. "I don't have enough information yet."

Odunze, the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, caught one pass for 11 yards on Sunday in Chicago's season-opening 24-17 win against the Tennessee Titans.

His second-quarter reception was one for the highlight reel, as Odunze leaped to snag a ball that had bounced off a defender's helmet. Odunze fumbled after the reception, but it was recovered by teammate Teven Jenkins, setting up a Cairo Santos field goal for a 17-3 halftime lead.

Odunze, 22, caught 92 passes for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games in his final season at the University of Washington in 2023.

--Field Level Media