Bears injury report shows mixed news for Rams playoff game

Good news dominates the Bears injury report heading into Sunday’s divisional playoff showdown with the Rams. Chicago’s 53-man roster is relatively healthy, with just one player ruled out. The only question mark is star wideout Rome Odunze, but he’s expected to suit up.

Bears Get Mixed News on Injury Front

The Chicago Bears received encouraging news on the injury front heading into their NFC Divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night at Soldier Field. The organization’s 53-man roster is remarkably healthy after the dramatic comeback victory over Green Bay last week. Only one player is ruled out on the active roster: cornerback Nick McCloud, who suffered a groin injury. This represents the cleanest injury report the Bears have seen all season.

Beyond McCloud, just two other players carry injury designations. Wide receiver Rome Odunze is listed as questionable with a foot injury, and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin is questionable with a back issue. However, Odunze told reporters he will definitely play Sunday. The receiver was a full participant in Friday’s practice after being limited Thursday. Reeves-Maybin, signed to the active roster after T.J. Edwards’ season-ending injury, is expected to be available if needed.

Rome Odunze Expected to Suit Up Despite Foot Injury

Rome Odunze’s availability has been the key storyline surrounding Bears injuries heading into this playoff matchup. The star receiver missed five consecutive games with the foot injury but returned dramatically last week against Green Bay. He caught two crucial passes for 44 yards while playing 69 percent of offensive snaps in the wild-card comeback victory. The Bears have now won six straight games in which Odunze has played.

Odunze’s practice status improved as the week progressed, ultimately earning full participation on Friday. According to reports, the receiver has essentially guaranteed he will be in the lineup Sunday. His presence is critical for quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears offensive game plan against a tough Rams defense. The chemistry Odunze has developed with Williams makes his availability crucial for playoff success.

Bears Overcome Devastating Season-Ending Losses

The good news about healthy contributors is tempered by two season-ending injuries the Bears suffered in last week’s wild-card victory. Linebacker T.J. Edwards, a key defensive player, broke his fibula in the second quarter and is out for the remainder of the postseason. Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, a rookie the Bears were developing, suffered a patellar tendon injury late in the game that ended his season.

“The Bears’ 53-man roster is relatively healthy heading into Sunday night’s NFC Divisional playoff game against the Rams, with just defensive back Nick McCloud ruled out.”

— Chicago Bears Official Injury Report, January 18, 2026

Key Adjustments on the Offensive Line

With Ozzy Trapilo lost for the season, the Bears face significant changes at left tackle. Head coach Ben Johnson and the organization are reportedly “strongly considering” moving Joe Thuney from left guard to left tackle. Thuney previously moved to left tackle with the Kansas City Chiefs last season, including playoff games. If this change occurs, Jordan McFadden would likely slide into the left guard position. This shift represents a significant adjustment for the Bears offense but keeps experienced players in key roles.

Backup options for left tackle include Theo Benedet and Braxton Jones, who was activated off injured reserve this week. Jones is listed as a healthy inactive for Sunday’s game, suggesting the Bears prefer their proposed configuration with Thuney. The offensive line stability will be crucial as Caleb Williams and the Bears offense face a playoff test against Los Angeles.

Could the Bears’ Relative Health Give Them an Edge Sunday?

Unlike many playoff teams dealing with serious injury concerns, the Chicago Bears enter the divisional round with most starters available. The only major absence is T.J. Edwards, the starting linebacker whose fibula fracture forces him out. D’Marco Jackson will continue to fill that role after getting the start against Green Bay. For the defense, cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson returns after missing the wild-card game with a concussion, and Kyler Gordon also returns to action. These reinforcements strengthen the secondary heading into Sunday night’s matchup.

The Bears’ relatively clean bill of health compared to many playoff competitors could prove significant on a cold Soldier Field. The absence of major injury questions beyond the confirmed losses means Chicago can focus entirely on preparation and execution rather than worrying about availability. With Odunze back on the field and the defense getting reinforcements, the Bears head into Sunday with optimism that injuries won’t derail their playoff run.

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.