Details emerge about Rome Odunze’s Week 1 injury

May 23, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) warms up during organized team activities at Halas Hall Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears managed a Week 1 win on Sunday, but they lost one of their key rookies in the process.

Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze suffered an MCL sprain during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win over Tennessee, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The injury is not thought to be too serious, and he is characterized as week-to-week.

#Bears WR Rome Odunze suffered an MCL sprain in Sunday’s win vs. Tennessee and is considered week-to-week, per sources.

Odunze, the No. 9 overall pick, had one catch in his debut. Chicago visits the #Texans on Sunday night. pic.twitter.com/to31UFVhRY

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 9, 2024

Odunze had a quiet debut even before leaving the game, with just one catch for 11 yards. The Bears’ offense definitely looked like a work in progress, as the team fell behind 17-0 and leaned heavily on defense and special teams in the comeback win. While the injury does not sound like it will keep him out long, it is still an unwanted setback for a rookie that the team clearly wants to get up and running as quickly as possible.

Odunze was the No. 9 overall pick in the NFL Draft. He had some lofty ambitions for his rookie season, but they might already be out of reach.