NFL analyst issues warning to Bears against "rushing" Rome Odunze back for Week 15 amid WR's stress fracture

David Haugh delivered a message to the Chicago Bears about their star receiver's injury management. The radio personality made it clear that patience should trump over accelerating Rome Odunze's return.

Odunze sits atop the Bears' receiving chart with 44 receptions, 661 yards and six scores this season.

The analyst's remarks followed the report of NFL Network's Tom Pelissero that Odunze has been battling through a fractured bone in his foot.

"I don't need to see him. I don't need to see how tough he is," Haugh said on Tuesday, via the "670 The Score" show. "If anything you want to commit to this weekend, it's committing to finding ways schematically.

"If you are the expert play caller that Ben Johnson is, he is. Get the ball to DJ Moore. Figure out a way to increase the role for Luther Burden. Get (Olamide) Zaccheaus involved. Fine, if he's all dependable, but don't rush Rome Odunze back."

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.@DavidHaugh thinks the Bears should be really cautious with Rome Odunze's health as a matchup against the Browns awaits Sunday. "Don't rush Rome Odunze back," Haugh says.

Chicago shelved Odunze in Week 14 as he couldn't practice all week. Pelissero revealed the fracture details after the team announced that the receiver wouldn't suit up.

Medical expert points to extended absence for Rome Odunze

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears - Source: Imagn

Sports medicine specialist Dr. Jesse Morse weighed in Rome Odunze's injury on X on Saturday. His assessment put the typical recovery window at six weeks for this type of fracture.

Morse warned against pushing for an early return. Coming back prematurely can turn a partial break into a full fracture requiring surgery with hardware insertion. He advocated for placing Odunze on injured reserve to protect the long-term investment.

The Browns will visit Soldier Field on Sunday. Chicago then heads to Lambeau Field for a Saturday clash with the Packers in Week 16. A primetime trip to face San Francisco follows in Week 17 before the regular season finale against Detroit, which carries division stakes.

The Bears boast depth at skill positions. D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai handle backfield duties, while DJ Moore, Luther Burden and Colston Loveland create mismatches in the passing game. Chicago put up 21 points against Green Bay in Week 13 without its top target.