Bears WR Luther Burden III out about a month with groin
Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III suffered a groin injury in Saturday practice and is expected to miss about a month, likely sitting out preseason.
Mehmet Şahinoğlu ·
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III is expected to be sidelined for roughly one month after suffering a groin injury during Saturday’s practice, officials said. The setback occurred in a red zone drill and is set to keep the second-year player out for the remainder of the preseason.
The injury happened on a one-on-one repetition against cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Stevenson returned to practice shortly after the collision, while Burden did not continue.
Bears preseason plans shift ahead of Panthers opener
Burden’s absence reduces Chicago’s receiving rotation as the Burden’s absence reduces Chicago’s receiving rotation as the team builds toward its September 13 season opener against the Carolina Panthers. With the preseason serving as a key period for installing and refining the offensive package, the time Burden misses also limits on-field reps in live, competitive situations. Burden is expected to be a primary target for quarterback Caleb Williams, making his availability a key element of the unit’s preparation. Medical staff anticipate a timeline that could allow Burden to return by the start of the regular season, though the team has not detailed a specific return date beyond the approximate one-month window. Depth receivers set for expanded practice roles With Burden sidelined, the coaching staff plans to increase practice repetitions for depth wide receivers Zavion Thomas and Jahdae Walker. The added work is aimed at keeping the rotation functional while the team continues its preseason evaluation period.
Chicago Bears
The shift also comes as Burden continues to develop within what was described as an evolving route tree. The injury interrupts that integration at a time when timing and precision between quarterback and receivers are typically built through repeated practice and preseason reps.
Rookie production and metrics underline his importance
Burden enters his second year after posting 652 receiving yards and two touchdowns during his rookie campaign. His early performance has remained a focal point for Chicago as it seeks consistent production from its pass-catching group.
Sports Research credited Burden with 2.71 yards per route run last season, leading all first-year wide receivers. That 2.71 mark was also described as the highest by a rookie wide receiver in the past 10 seasons.
Looking ahead, The Fantasy Football team projects Burden to record 73 catches for 1,057 yards and six touchdowns in the 2026 season. For Chicago, the immediate question is how quickly he can return to full work after the groin injury, and how the receiving rotation performs during his preseason absence.