LAKE FOREST, Ill. (104.3 The Score) -- Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze walked back comments made last month that drew concerns, clarifying that he has no lingering issues from a foot injury last season.
Odunze said in June that he was dealing with a "new normal" health-wise after enduring a serious foot injury late last season. But on Thursday, Odunze made it clear that there are no lingering matters from this injury and he feels like himself.
"I know 'new normal,' that has a bunch of connotations of like chronic and severe, like, never going to be the same," Odunze said. "It's not like that at all. Like, I'm completely fine."
Odunze was limited to just a dozen games in his second NFL season, hauling in 44 receptions for 661 yards and six scores in that time. The injury did not require offseason surgery, as Odunze allowed it to heal with advice from the Bears' medical staff.
Odunze was not limited at all during the Bears' offseason program.
"He looks like he's moving around really well," Bears offensive coordinator Press Taylor said. "I think if he hadn't said anything, I don't know that you necessarily would have noticed through the spring the way he was moving because he looks like he's moving really well. And we're excited to see what Rome does through this training camp."
The Bears are counting on Odunze to be a key part of their offense this season. The No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Odunze was selected to be a vital target for quarterback Caleb Williams.
After trading away former top target DJ Moore this offseason, Williams will be looking for a reliable option in the passing game. Odunze believes he can still be one of the top wide receivers in the league.
"I do my due diligence and all those things because being out sucks," Odunze said. "Really, it's like the No. 1 thing as a football player, any athlete, you don't want to be out of practice, game, whatever it is.
"I feel amazing."
Camp update
The Bears held their second practice of training camp on Thursday morning at Halas Hall, working through more than 100 minutes in a closed session. Second-year running back Kyle Monangai was an undisclosed absence. Top pass rusher Montez Sweat rejoined the team after dealing with an illness earlier this week.
The Bears will hold their first practice with fans in attendance on Friday at Halas Hall. The team will strap on full pads for live contact beginning Monday morning.
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
