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 remains limited during Bears OTAs as he continues to manage lingering soft-tissue issues that plagued his 2025 season. The veteran cornerback dealt with multiple groin, hamstring, and calf injuries last year, resulting in two separate injured reserve stints. While Gordon has been present and participating in warmups, the Bears have limited his team reps as a precaution. “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 returned to the field in the latter stages of OTA’s after recovery from a torn Achilles tendon. He is expected to be limited during mandatory minicamp, but the Bears remain optimistic that he will be ready to contribute at some point during training camp and is on track for the start of the 2026 season.
T.J. Edwards - Fibula
Suffered a season-ending fractured fibula during the 2025 season. The veteran linebacker has not participated fully in Bears OTAs as he continues recovering from the lower-leg injury, but the expectation is that he will be available for mandatory minicamp in a limited capacity. Chicago is targeting a full recovery by Week 1, with Edwards expected to gradually ramp up his workload throughout the summer.
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. He is expected to be a full participant at mandatory minicamp and is positioned for an expanded role in Chicago's offense entering the 2026 season.
