LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — After losing a fumble to the Lions on Sunday, Bears rookie receiver Rome Odunze returned to his team’s bench with disappointment.
Odunze was quickly greeted by Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who was looking to pick him up after the miscue.
“I told him I’d come right back to him, and we did just that,” Williams said Monday. “Having belief in him, I’ve seen him do it.”
The Williams-Odunze connection has been a bright spot in the Bears' difficult season. They've connected for 51 completions, 701 yards and three touchdowns as rookies in 2024. Odunze had four receptions for 77 yards in the Bears' 34-17 loss to the Lions on Sunday, when he lost one fumble and also was part of a handoff mishap on a fumble that was credited to Williams.
Williams threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns in the losing effort.
"He was doing a great job facilitating the ball, getting it to his playmakers,” Odunze said of Williams. “Especially using his feet as well when he needed to. Had a bunch of spectacular plays out there. Just have to continue to do that consistently and get the ball in the end zone."
Shortly after selecting Williams at No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bears selected Odunze at No. 9 overall with the belief that he could be a key figure in Williams' growth.
Williams and Odunze first connected as Pac-12 rivals – Williams as a star at USC and Odunze as a standout at Washington – before working together during the pre-draft process. During that time, it became clear that Williams would be the Bears’ choice at No. 1 overall. Williams was hoping Odunze would join him in Chicago.
The bond between Williams and Odunze has grown throughout this season. It bodes well for the Bears’ future.
“Spectacular person, spectacular player,” Williams said. “I've seen it now for two years. Being able to have him here and grow with him, our relationship over the years is going to be vital for the team. Being able to continue that, continue to grow that is going to be really fun, really vital like I said.
“He’s going to get better, especially with the guys that he's had here this year with him. Rome with DJ (Moore) and Keenan (Allen), two guys that's been doing it for a while I think is helping him, him being able to watch those guys and how they do and how they work.”
Injury report
Bears left tackle Braxton Jones underwent surgery to repair his injured left ankle, interim head coach Thomas Brown said Monday. The full extent of Jones’ injury wasn't yet detailed.
Jones was carted off the field Sunday after having his left leg rolled up during a play in the second quarter. He was in great pain, and Bears teammates came to his side to support him and wish him well as he left the field.
Bears left guard Teven Jenkins (calf) is considered day-to-day after exiting the game Sunday. Jenkins has a chance to play when the Bears host the Seahawks on Thursday, Brown said.
Jenkins has played in 14 games this season but has also dealt with several injuries. He has left five different games with injuries this season.
The Bears (4-11) and Seahawks (8-7) will kick off at 7:15 p.m. CT on Thursday at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on X @CEmma670.