panthers
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Carolina Panthers‘ chances of pulling off an upset win against the Chicago Bears on Sunday just got a bit better after some injury news about their opponents.
Heading into their 1:00 PM ET 2026 season opener against the Bears, the team is hoping they can take another step forward in year three for head coach Dave Canales. After a 5-12 debut in his first season overseeing an NFL roster, Carolina got better in 2025. Finishing with an 8-9 record and reached the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.
If the Panthers want to be better in the new season, getting a win in their 2026 debut would help towards that goal. However, they have a tough home matchup against a Bears team that went 11-6 last year and is seen as a dark horse contender in the NFC this year. Carolina could use some help to improve their chances on Sunday, and they got it with a major piece of injury news on Tuesday.
Carolina Panthers may not have to worry about Rome Odunze in Week 1
NFL: Chicago Bears Minicamp
Jun 11, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) run on the field during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
According to Bears head coach Ben Johnson, third-year receiver Rome Odunze is dealing with a foot injury and missed practice today. He is listed as day-to-day, and Johnson is “hopeful” he will be in uniform this weekend.
The 2024 first-round pick finished last season with 44 catches, 661 receiving yards (third on the team), and tied for the most touchdowns (6). He did that in just 12 games. After Chicago traded DJ Moore in the offseason, the Washington alum is set to be Caleb Williams’ No. 1 receiver this year.
If Odunze is not in action, that takes a major offensive weapon off the board for the Bears. However, even if he does suit up on Sunday, he clearly won’t be healthy, and the foot is sure to hamper his production. Either way, the Panthers got some very good news ahead of their 2026 debut.