Updated
Updated · ESPN · Aug 10
Bears' Luther Burden III to Miss Preseason After Groin Injury, Targeting Week 1 Return
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Aug 10

Bears' Luther Burden III to Miss Preseason After Groin Injury, Targeting Week 1 Return

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Aug 10

Summary

  • Chicago expects Luther Burden III to miss the entire preseason after the 22-year-old hurt his groin in Saturday's practice, though the team still believes he can return for the opener against Carolina.
  • The injury came on the final red-zone one-on-one rep when Burden got tangled with cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who landed on Burden's back and left him in visible pain.
  • Burden, a 2025 second-round pick, had 47 catches for 652 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie last season, making him a key part of the Bears' receiving plans.
  • Chicago also has receiver Zavion Thomas managing knee soreness from Sunday's 7-on-7 drills, but the issue is not considered serious and he is not expected to miss much time.

Insights

With Burden sidelined, will an unknown receiver seize the ultimate training camp opportunity to save Caleb Williams' offense?
Can Rome Odunze handle the immense pressure of being the undisputed WR1 following DJ Moore's departure and Burden's sudden injury?
Could rushing the rookie back for Week 1 secretly derail the Chicago Bears' entire offensive strategy this season?