The Chicago Bears enter mandatory minicamp with several key contributors at different stages of recovery. Linebacker T.J. Edwards continues working his way back from a fractured fibula, while cornerback Kyler Gordon remains on a managed workload after multiple soft-tissue injuries limited him throughout the 2025 season. On a more positive note, wide receiver Rome Odunze appears fully healthy after last year's foot injury and has been one of the standout performers during the Bears' offseason program.
Kyler Gordon - Soft Tissue
Gordon continues to deal with a recurring soft-tissue injury that also affected him during the 2025 season. The Bears held him out of both OTAs and mandatory minicamp as they carefully managed his recovery. The veteran cornerback dealt with multiple groin, hamstring, and calf injuries last year, resulting in two separate injured reserve stints. “This spring was going to be a springboard for us to get going in the right direction,” Ben Johnson said. “So, you know, we’re still working through that. We’re still trying to get that availability piece going. He is expected to attend mandatory minicamp, though Chicago is likely to continue managing his workload carefully heading into training camp.
Dayo Odeyingbo - Achilles
Odeyingbo appears to be ahead of schedule in his recovery from the torn Achilles he suffered midway through the 2025 season. The veteran defensive end participated in full team drills during minicamp, an encouraging sign given the severity of the injury. He is expected to be a full participant at training camp and has looked motivated throughout his rehab process, putting him in a strong position heading into the 2026 season.
T.J. Edwards - Fibula
Edwards continues to make excellent progress after suffering a fractured fibula/leg injury during the playoffs. The veteran linebacker participated in team drills during minicamp and has said he feels "great" as he works his way back. Everything points toward Edwards being fully ready for training camp, with no significant concerns surrounding his availability.
Ozzy Trapilo - Patellar Tendon
Trapilo ruptured his patellar tendon ahead of the two-minute warning during the Bears' win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC wild-card round. Trapilo is expected to miss the majority of the 2026 season while he recovers.
Rome Odunze - Foot
Odunze appears fully healthy after overcoming the stress fracture in his foot that caused him to miss the final stretch of the 2025 regular season. He generated some attention during OTAs when discussing the long-term effects of the injury, noting that the way the foot healed created structural changes that have become his "new normal." Despite that, Odunze emphasized that he is not dealing with constant pain and does not believe the injury will impact his ability to perform.
Odunze expects to have no limitations heading into training camp and appears healthy enough for a full workload. The absence of pain and his full participation throughout the offseason are encouraging signs for his outlook entering the season.
