Bears Week 1 Inactives: Ben Johnson makes the final call on WR Rome Odunze, while one defensive starter is ruled out
The Chicago Bears have released the inactives list for Week 1 featuring seven players, including one defensive starter. The most notable player not listed, WR Rome Odunze.
The Chicago Bears released their Week 1 inactives 90 minutes before kickoff against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, and the list carries significant implications for both sides of the ball. Wide receiver Rome Odunze, safety Xavier Woods, and quarterback Tyson Bagent headline the notable names as Chicago prepares for kickoff in the season opener.
Rome Odunze active but Bears will still appear to be cautious with him
The biggest sigh of relief for Bears fans comes at wide receiver, where Odunze did not appear on the inactives list. Odunze was dealing with a calf injury throughout the week and was listed as questionable heading into the game. He told reporters in the locker room on Friday that he planned to play in the Week 1 matchup.
Still, there’s reason to believe the Bears will manage his workload carefully. Chicago elevated wide receiver Kaden Davis from the practice squad, and Davis was not among the seven inactives. That decision suggests the Bears want an extra option at the position in case they limit Odunze’s snap count. The Bears are already strong at wide receiver, and having Davis as a call-up gives them flexibility to be strategic.
You don’t want to overwork Odunze in Week 1 while he’s dealing with an injury. As coach Ben Johnson said on Friday, it’s a long season ahead.
Xavier Woods inactive, secondary questions loom
The bigger concern on the inactive list is starting safety Xavier Woods, who was ruled out with a groin injury. Woods was listed as questionable and will miss what would have been a revenge game after spending three years with the Panthers.
His absence leaves a significant hole in the back end of Chicago’s defense. The Bears will need someone to start opposite first-round safety Dillon Thieneman, and the candidates include Elijah Hicks and Cam Lewis. If Lewis slides into the starting safety role, that could open the door for rookie fourth-round pick Malik Muhammad II to start in the slot. Those are big questions for the secondary heading into kickoff.
The rest of the Bears’ inactives for Week 1
Quarterback Tyson Bagent is also inactive after dealing with a back injury throughout the week. The Bears elevated quarterback Miller Moss, who was re-signed to the practice squad after spending the entire offseason with Chicago, but he is also inactive. Bagent will serve as the emergency third quarterback behind Caleb Williams and Case Keenum.
The remaining inactives round out across both lines of scrimmage. Defensive lineman Jamree Kromah, interior rookie defensive lineman Jayden Loving, interior offensive lineman Jordan McFadden and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo are all inactive.
Trapilo’s absence was expected because he’s still ramping back up in team drills and wasn’t ready for Week 1. McFadden’s inactive status removes one of the top interior depth options from the lineup with Luke Newman serving as the top reserve guard.
At tackle, Braxton Jones gets the start at left tackle as expected, leaving Theo Benedet as the top depth option at both tackle spots.
