Biggest headlines entering wild-card weekend
1) Bears get Rome Odunze back for Packers showdown
Chicago’s offense gets a major lift at the perfect time: wide receiver Rome Odunze is off the injury list and expected to play in Saturday night’s playoff clash against Green Bay. Odunze has been out since Week 13 with a foot injury, and his return gives rookie quarterback Caleb Williams a high-impact weapon in the biggest game of his young career.
Before he exited the lineup, Odunze led the Bears in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. Even if his snap count is managed early, his presence changes how defenses can play Chicago — especially in the red zone and on third down.
2) 49ers see Trent Williams return to practice
San Francisco’s most important protection piece, left tackle Trent Williams, returned to practice on a limited basis while working through a hamstring issue. In a playoff matchup where pass protection can decide everything, even a limited return is a meaningful step in the right direction.
The 49ers also continue monitoring receiver Ricky Pearsall, who did not practice after aggravating a PCL injury that has lingered this season. His availability could affect route combinations and depth behind San Francisco’s top options.
3) Eagles inch closer with Lane Johnson and Jalen Carter
Philadelphia’s week included encouraging signs with two cornerstone players back on the practice field in limited capacity: defensive tackle Jalen Carter (hip) and right tackle Lane Johnson (foot). Johnson, in particular, is a difference-maker because he can stabilize the edge and expand what the Eagles feel comfortable calling in protection and in the run game.
Wild-card schedule (ET) + what to watch injury-wise
Saturday, Jan. 10
Rams at Panthers — 4:30 p.m. ET
- Rams: RG Kevin Dotson OUT; several listed as questionable (including Jordan Whittington, Terrance Ferguson, Josh Wallace).
- Panthers: no one ruled out; Robert Hunt and Chandler Zavala listed as questionable.
Packers at Bears — 8:00 p.m. ET
- Bears: Rome Odunze expected to play; Kyler Gordon listed as questionable; multiple defenders ruled out with concussions.
- Packers: no confirmed outs in this update; several questionable (including Zach Tom, Dontayvion Wicks, Malik Willis).
Sunday, Jan. 11
Bills at Jaguars — 1:00 p.m. ET
- Bills: multiple players OUT, including Maxwell Hairston, Damar Hamlin, Terrel Bernard, Ty Johnson, and Matt Prater.
- Jaguars: injury designations were not filled in on this update — watch for late changes.
49ers at Eagles — 4:30 p.m. ET
- 49ers: Trent Williams returning to practice is the key development; Ricky Pearsall status bears watching.
- Eagles: Lane Johnson and Jalen Carter limited but trending in a positive direction.
Chargers at Patriots — 8:00 p.m. ET
- Chargers: KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Kendall Williamson OUT; Omarion Hampton questionable but says he plans to play.
- Patriots: Khyiris Tonga OUT; Kayshon Boutte, Harold Landry III, and Thayer Munford Jr. listed as questionable.
Monday, Jan. 12
Texans at Steelers — 8:00 p.m. ET
Injury designations were not completed in the same list here — expect late-week updates that clarify who’s trending toward playing.
What these returns could change
- Odunze’s return can widen Chicago’s route tree and force Green Bay to defend more of the field — which often opens cleaner throws underneath.
- Trent Williams practicing is massive for San Francisco’s protection plan. Even if he’s limited, having him available changes how the 49ers can handle pressure looks.
- Lane Johnson trending forward matters because elite tackles don’t just block — they enable play-calling flexibility (deeper drops, longer-developing concepts, and more confident outside runs).
With the playoffs, the margins get razor-thin. A single player returning — or one late scratch — can flip a matchup from “even” to “tilted.”
Source for the latest injury notes: Yahoo Sports injury tracker
