Rome Odunze enters the 2026 season as the Bears’ primary vertical threat following DJ Moore’s trade, with preseason projections centering on roughly 7–8 receiving touchdowns over 17 games amid a crowded passing attack featuring Luther Burden III and tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet. A right-foot stress fracture limited him to 12 games and six scores in 2025 after an early hot streak, while a calf issue restricted his Week 1 snaps against Carolina, where he posted two catches for 52 yards and zero touchdowns in a run-heavy, high-scoring Chicago offense. Coach Ben Johnson has emphasized Odunze’s contested-catch ability and red-zone usage, but sustained health, expanded target share, and improved quarterback accuracy from Caleb Williams remain central variables for his touchdown total.