The Chicago Bears finished Thursday's practice concerned about two of their key offensive players. D'Andre Swift and Rome Odunze left practice with different injuries, just over a week before the start of the 2026 season.
The available information does not yet establish the final severity of either injury. The Bears had not issued an official update at the time of the reports, so any prediction about their Week 1 availability should be treated cautiously. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
What happened to D'Andre Swift?
Swift left practice after a play near the goal line. Reports indicated that the running back showed significant discomfort in his core or midsection and was unable to continue normally.
The situation is noteworthy because Swift is one of Chicago's primary offensive pieces. During the 2025 season, he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and finished with 10 total touchdowns.
The 2023 Pro Bowl selection has been an important part of the Bears' offense, and his availability will be particularly important as Chicago prepares to begin the season.
Rome Odunze also left practice
Odunze left practice before Swift because of a right leg issue. According to initial reports, the receiver initially attempted to remain on the field before being escorted away by a trainer.
The first available information suggested that Odunze's injury might not be serious, although the Bears had not provided an official diagnosis.
Odunze was selected ninth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and recorded 661 receiving yards and six touchdowns during the 2025 season. His progress will be important because he is part of the group of receivers Chicago needs to support its offense throughout the season. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Will Swift and Odunze play in Week 1?
There is currently no definitive confirmation about either player's availability. Chicago's first official injury report for Week 1 is due Sept. 9, ahead of the season opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 13. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
That gives the team time to evaluate how both players respond and determine whether they need to limit their activity, rest or gradually return to practice.
For Swift, the Bears will need to determine exactly what caused the discomfort and whether it creates any limitations in his preparation. For Odunze, the main point of attention will be how the right leg responds.
Chicago cannot afford to lose key offensive pieces
The situation comes at a delicate time because the Bears are only days away from beginning a season with significant expectations surrounding their offense.
Swift is one of the team's primary rushing options, while Odunze is an important piece of the receiving corps. A prolonged absence for either player would force Chicago to adjust the distribution of responsibilities and workload.
However, it would be premature to declare either player out for Week 1. The initial reports do not establish that either player suffered an injury that rules him out against Carolina.
The next priority is the diagnosis
The next few days will be important for Chicago. The franchise will have to evaluate both players and provide more specific information about their conditions.
Until an official diagnosis is available, the situation should be viewed as a warning rather than confirmation of an absence. At this stage of preparation, the Bears have every reason to be cautious and prevent a minor issue from becoming a bigger problem just before the season begins.
D'Andre Swift and Rome Odunze are two players Chicago needs healthy to begin 2026 with its offense intact. Attention will now turn to medical updates and their participation in the team's upcoming practices. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}