Stopping the run is the top priority for the Green Bay Packers when the rival Chicago Bears visit Lambeau Field, but that doesn't mean the passing game won't pose problems.
Rome Odunze is one of them. The Bears' second-year pass-catcher leads the team with 44 catches, 661 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. Caleb Williams has targeted him 90 times this season, at least 27 more times than any other Bears receiver.
But Odunze's status is up in the air for Sunday's huge clash for the NFC North lead. He has missed two practices this week due to a foot injury, raising doubts about his availability.
Packers could avoid Bears star wide receiver Rome Odunze in Week 14
It's unclear what the exact injury is, although it is significant enough to keep Odunze out of practice for consecutive days. Like the Packers, the Bears have enjoyed additional rest in the buildup to this game, having last played on Black Friday.
Odunze's status is something to monitor, no doubt.
If the 2024 ninth overall pick misses the game, Chicago's passing offense will go through a combination of veteran receiver DJ Moore, rookie tight end Colston Loveland, and rookie wide receiver Luther Burden.
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The priority remains stopping the run. Chicago's offensive line dominated against Philadelphia last week, opening running lanes big enough to drive a car through. Kyle Monangai rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown, D'Andre Swift for 125 yards and a score.
But if the Bears can cool the Packers' pass rush with a heavy dose of the run game, it could open up concerning opportunities in the play-action passing game.
Losing a player like Odunze could have a significant impact on the game. He has quickly become Williams' go-to target, showing true WR1 potential in the Bears' offense.
Green Bay's game plan will be to bottle up the rushing attack early while getting ahead of the game. Forcing the Bears to win with Williams is the key, and that will become far more challenging for them if they lose their top receiver.