Will Bears WR Rome Odunze return in Week 16?

The Chicago Bears are back on top of the NFC North, but with a brutal stretch to close out the season, they can't afford to rest on their laurels.

That's why not having their primary pass-catcher out there can be a major issue. WR Rome Odunze is dealing with a foot injury and has missed the past couple of games. And according to a report by ESPN's Courtney Cronin, head coach Ben Johnson might have to keep him off the field for a little longer.

Bears could shut down Rome Odunze

"All options are on the table," Johnson said, per Cronin. "There may be a case that we need to protect him from himself a little bit so he can help us down the road."

Even if they don't win the NFC North, the Bears should still sneak into the playoffs, so it makes sense to err on the side of caution with the second-year wideout. Odunze has emerged as the team's primary wide receiver, topping D.J. Moore as Caleb Williams' preferred target. In 12 games, he's turned 90 targets into 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 15.0 yards per catch and showcasing his big-play ability.

Johnson's team will close out the season with tough games against the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions. The margin for error is slim, but this team is already playing with house money. It needs to take a big-picture approach to the young star's health.