Luther Burden III Injury News & Updates

Burden recorded four receptions on six targets for 67 yards in Sunday's 28-21 loss to the Packers. He added one rush for three yards.

Burden led the Bears in targets and yards with Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined, while DJ Moore remained uninvolved. Burden was primarily targeted in short areas of the field, though he did get behind the Packers' defense for a 27-yard gain late in the fourth quarter as the Bears attempted to rally to tie the game. Burden's involvement in Chicago's offense has steadily crept up in recent weeks, as he now has at least five targets in four straight contests. He set his highest yardage total in that span with his performance Sunday, though Burden could continue to emerge in the final handful of remaining weeks of the regular season.

Burden and Olamide Zaccheaus are candidates to take on more snaps and targets in the absence of Rome Odunze (foot) this Sunday at Green Bay, ESPN.com's Courtney Cronin reports.

It's a tough matchup, on the road in cold weather, but Odunze's absence opens up a lot of playing time and targets for some talented players in ancillary roles. Burden is among those, having recently replaced Zaccheaus as the No. 3 receiver, but the Bears may also lean more heavily on any of WR DJ Moore, RB D'Andre Swift, TE Colston Loveland or TE Cole Kmet to take on larger receiving roles in Odunze's absence.

Burden logged four catches (on six targets) for 33 yards while turning his lone carry into three yards during the Bears' 24-15 win over the Eagles on Friday.

Burden ended Friday's game tied with Colston Loveland and Rome Odunze for the team high in targets while finishing second in receiving yards behind Cole Kmet (36 yards). Burden has caught three passes in four consecutive games, though he hasn't accrued more than 51 yards in a game this season outside of his Week 3 performance against the Cowboys (3-101-1 on three targets). Through the first 11 regular-season games of his NFL career, Burden has accumulated 25 catches (on 31 targets) for 328 yards and a touchdown while turning four carries into 24 yards. Next up for the rookie second-rounder and the Bears is a Week 14 road clash against the Packers on Sunday, Dec. 7, a game where the result will have major ramifications for the race to the NFC North crown.

Burden caught three of five targets for 46 yards in Sunday's 31-28 win over the Steelers.

Burden continues to work ahead of Olamide Zaccheaus as Chicago's WR3 behind Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, and Burden's five targets tied fellow rookie Colston Loveland for third on the team against Pittsburgh. However, as long as Odunze and Moore are healthy, it's difficult to get behind Burden as a fantasy starter when he's competing with the likes of Loveland, Cole Kmet, D'Andre Swift and Zaccheaus for opportunities. Burden has looked great on his limited chances this season and will square off with the Eagles this upcoming Friday.

Burden caught three passes for 27 yards on five targets in the Bears' 19-17 win over the Vikings on Sunday.

Burden has alternated between usable and quiet performances, posting four games under 28 yards and three with at least 51 over his last seven contests. Until he earns a larger share of Chicago's passing volume, he'll remain a volatile depth option in fantasy lineups.

Burden caught three passes for 51 yards on three targets in the Bears' 24-20 win over the Giants on Sunday.

Burden has posted at least 51 yards in three of eight contests this season and has drawn between one and four targets in every game. His low target volume keeps him a depth fantasy option who is useful mainly as a bench stash in fantasy leagues.

Burden (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Giants.

After missing one game in concussion protocol, Burden is back to fill his usual role as the No. 4 receiver and (at times) kick returner. He's shown flashes of the talent that made him a top-50 pick in April, but the Bears seem pleased with Olamide Zaccheaus as their No. 3 receiver for now.

Burden (concussion) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Though Bears head coach Ben Johnson hasn't yet confirmed that Burden has cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, all signs point to the rookie wideout being able to play this Sunday against the Giants. After sitting out the Bears' Week 9 win over the Bengals while recovering from the head injury, Burden has turned in two full practices to kick off Week 10 prep. Meanwhile, fellow wideouts DJ Moore (hip/groin) and Rome Odunze (ankle/heel) were limited Thursday, so Burden could have a clear path to a top-three role if either or both of Moore and Odunze aren't available Sunday.

Burden (concussion) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Burden appears to be near gaining clearance from the NFL's concussion protocol, the last step of which involves consultation with an independent neurologist. The rookie second-round pick was unable to suit up Week 9 versus the Bengals due to his injury. Meanwhile, both DJ Moore (hip/groin) and Rome Odunze (ankle/heel) missed Wednesday's practice, though both managed to play through their injuries versus Cincinnati.

Burden (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Cincinnati.

Burden suffered a concussion during this past Sunday's loss at Baltimore and wasn't able to practice in any capacity during Week 9 prep. With no progress to speak of yet through the protocol for head injuries, he could be in danger of missing multiple contests. Meanwhile, the rest of the Bears' banged-up wide receivers don't have designations going into the weekend, meaning Rome Odunze (heel), DJ Moore (hip/groin) and Olamide Zaccheaus (knee) all are poised for their typical roles in the passing game.

Burden (concussion) didn't practice Thursday.

Since exiting this past Sunday's loss to the Ravens with a concussion, Burden hasn't made enough progress through the NFL's five-step protocol to take part in any on-field work. At this stage, Burden appears to be facing an uphill battle to play this weekend in Cincinnati.

Burden (concussion) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice.

Burden didn't return to this past Sunday's loss at Baltimore after being concussed early in the third quarter. He was joined as a non-participant Wednesday by fellow WRs Rome Odunze (heel), DJ Moore (hip/groin) and Olamide Zaccheaus (knee). Burden himself will need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist in order to have a chance to play Sunday at Cincinnati, but a DNP to begin Week 9 prep isn't exactly a great sign for upcoming active status.

Burden has been ruled out with a concussion in Sunday's contest against the Ravens, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.comreports.

Burden went to the locker room after Chicago's first drive of the third quarter and has been ruled out for the rest of the game. The 21-year-old rookie has 12 receptions for 172 yards and one touchdown this season.

Burden caught one pass for 22 yards in the Bears' 26-14 win over the Saints on Sunday.

Burden had 51 yards last week and 101 yards in Week 3, so he's becoming more of a factor in the Bears offense. Still, his inconsistency makes him a player to selectively use in fantasy lineups until his weekly targets increase.

Burden finished with four receptions on as many targets for 51 yards in Monday's 25-24 win over Washington.

Burden bounced back nicely from the disappointing two-catch performance we saw prior to Chicago's Week 5 bye. The rookie slot receiver finished with more receiving yards than DJ Moore (42) and Rome Odunze (32) as QB Caleb Williams distributed the ball more evenly amongst his talented group of receivers Monday. Burden's production has fluctuated wildly on a week-to-week basis, making it hard to bank on the rookie's production against the Saints in Week 7.

Burden recorded minus-four yards on two receptions in the Bears' 25-24 win over the Raiders on Sunday.

Aside from Burden's 101-yard effort in Week 3 against the woeful Dallas defense, he has a total of minus-three yards in his other three games. Until his role in the offense grows, Burden's floor makes him difficult to place in fantasy lineups.

Burden recorded three receptions on three targets for 101 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-14 win over the Cowboys. He added one rush for seven yards.

Burden was relatively quiet through his first two games as a pro, but he caught a 65-yard touchdown on a flea-flicker late in the first quarter as the highlight of his potential breakout performance Sunday. He also chipped in a 29-yard reception to set up another Chicago touchdown two possessions later. Burden was still prioritized behind Rome Odunze and DJ Moore in terms of targets, which casts doubt on the sustainability of his role moving forward. However, Moore has been used primarily in the short areas of the field, so Burden could be another explosive playmaking option to complement Odunze.

Burden caught one pass for five yards in the Bears' 52-21 loss to the Lions on Sunday.

Burden has a total of three targets over the first two games, and the rookie is the clear No. 4 receiver in the offense. Burden's biggest contribution to the team has been as a kick returner. It's possible that Burden sees his role grow over the course of the season if he can impress the coaching staff.

Burden finished with minus-3 yards on his lone reception and returned one kickoff for 44 yards in Monday's 27-24 loss to the Vikings.

The No. 39 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft had an underwhelming NFL debut while filling a tertiary role in the Chicago passing attack. He took the field for just 18 of the Bears' 67 snaps on offense, ranking fourth among Chicago receivers in playing time behind Rome Odunze (63 snaps), DJ Moore (56) and Olamide Zaccheaus (30). Burden could eventually supplant Zaccheaus for a regular spot in three-receiver sets, but quarterback Caleb Williams will first have to prove that he can support multiple pass catchers on a weekly basis before Burden emerges as a viable option in fantasy lineups.

Burden caught two of three targets for 29 yards in Sunday's 24-24 preseason tie against the Dolphins.

Burden was reasonably productive considering he played only the first half and the Bears didn't dress starting quarterback Caleb Williams. Burden could open the regular season as Chicago's No. 3 wide receiver behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze if the rookie second-round pick beats out Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay. Chicago's next preseason game will be Aug. 17 against the Bills.

Burden and fellow rookie Colston Loveland are both expected to play in Sunday's preseason opener against the Dolphins, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Several of the Bears' offensive starters will be absent from Sunday's contest including Caleb Williams, D'Andre Swift, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet. Per Briggs, Burden figures to see plenty of reps in Chicago's preseason opener, and he'll operate as the WR1 with Moore and Odunze in street clothes.

Burden (hamstring) is taking part in team drills at Tuesday's practice, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Burden missed OTAs, minicamp, and the first four days of training camp due to a hamstring injury sustained during rookie minicamp back in May, but head coach Ben Johnson said the 39th overall pick is now being eased into team drills "slowly but surely," per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com. Johnson said Burden is "a little behind right now," but it at least appears that the rookie's soft-tissue health is no longer impeding his development. Burden still has plenty of time to display his playmaking abilities throughout training camp and the preseason, and to potentially push Olamide Zaccheaus for the No. 3 receiver role behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.

Burden (hamstring) is dressed for practice Monday, Chris Emma of 670TheScore.com reports.

It appears Burden will participate, at least in a limited capacity, after missing the first four practices of training camp. He hurt his hamstring not long after being drafted this spring, subsequently missing Chicago's OTA and minicamp practices. Burden may take most of his reps with backups for now, but there's plenty of time to ramp up and eventually challenge Olamide Zaccheaus for the No. 3 WR role.

Bears coach Ben Johnson said Thursday that he hopes Burden (undisclosed) will be ready to practice in a few days, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Burden's soft-tissue injury from the offseason program lingered longer than the Bears expected, but they apparently remain optimistic he'll be available for the start of training camp. Once he's declared healthy, the 39th overall pick figures to compete with Olamide Zaccheaus for the No. 3 WR spot, behind returning starters DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.

Burden (undisclosed) didn't participant Wednesday in the first practice of training camp, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

The 39th overall pick avoided Chicago's pre-camp injury lists, suggesting he's expected to practice sooner than later. Burden missed OTA practices and June minicamp after suffering an unspecified soft-tissue injury in May. It's a poor start to his pro career, but he still has time to lock down the No. 3 WR job before Week 1, competing with Olamide Zaccheaus (and maybe Devin Duvernay or Tyler Scott).

Burden (undisclosed) signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $10.965 million rookie contract with the Bears on Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Burden followed in the footsteps of fellow rookie second-round draft pick at wide receiver Jayden Higgins in signing a fully guaranteed rookie contract, becoming the first ever 39th overall pick to land a fully guaranteed deal. Burden didn't participate in mandatory minicamp due to a soft-tissue injury, but head coach Ben Johnson said in June that he expected Burden to be ready for training camp. With Burden's rookie contract signed, he's set to report to training camp along with the rest of the Bears' rookies Saturday.

Bears coach Ben Johnson said Tuesday at Day 1 of mandatory minicamp that Burden (undisclosed) should be ready for training camp late July, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Burden sustained an undisclosed soft-tissue injury during rookie minicamp and has been sidelined since. It looks like the rookie second-round pick won't get in any work at mandatory minicamp, notable reps to miss given that Burden was already forced to sit out voluntary OTAs. Once healthy at training camp, Burden will work to make up for lost time and secure the No. 3 receiver role behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.

Burden (undisclosed) is not participating in Wednesday's offseason practice due to a soft tissue injury, Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The exact nature of Burden's injury has yet to be disclosed, but Kaitlin Sharkey of WGNTV reports that there is currently no timetable for the rookie second-round pick's return. It's less than ideal for Burden to be missing early install reps, but he has roughly two weeks to recover before the start of mandatory minicamp June 3, not to mention training camp late July. When healthy, Burden is expected to push for a starting role alongside DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Head coach Ben Johnson called Burden's injury "a little soft tissue deal," per Adam Jahns of The Athletic, an indication that the athletic Missouri product isn't managing an overly serious issue.

The Bears selected Burden in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 39th overall.

Burden (6-foot, 206 pounds) was a blue-chip recruit at Missouri who mostly followed through on expectations but still went into the NFL Draft with a somewhat uneven prospect profile. More specifically, Burden has demonstrated standout athleticism (4.41-second 40-yard dash) and was clearly a standout yards-after-catch threat throughout his three-year collegiate career, but Burden never conclusively demonstrated a skill set as a route runner, especially downfield. Burden has the wheels and hands to make a downfield impact, and it could turn out that his usage in the Missouri offense needlessly limited his route tree. Burden might primarily work from the slot in Chicago in the short term, if only because DJ Moore and Rome Odunze figure to claim most of the boundary snaps.