Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson gave an update Thursday morning on rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III ahead of training camp practice. Burden, the 39th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is currently considered day to day with a soft tissue issue injury he suffered after landing awkwardly during rookie minicamp.
The injury sidelined Burden for much of the offseason, including OTAs and mandatory minicamp, and he was also absent for the first day of training camp on Wednesday, July 23. Johnson said the injury isn’t believed to be serious, but soft tissue issues can be unpredictable. “It doesn’t sound like it’s anything serious, but soft tissue injuries are always tricky,” he explained, adding that the team will be cautious with his recovery.
"Soft tissue injuries are always tricky."
Despite not practicing, Burden has stayed engaged in the offense. Johnson credited wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El for keeping Burden locked in during meetings and regularly quizzing him on the playbook. Quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the QB group have also worked with Burden during walkthroughs to help maintain his understanding of the offense. Still, Johnson stressed the value of live reps: “There’s really no substitute for full speed reps.”
Burden is expected to play a big role next to DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. His dynamic playmaking and route running make him a dangerous weapon, but the missed time has sparked questions about his readiness. The Bears remain hopeful Burden will return to the field soon as training camp continues.
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