Oren Burks Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Bengals vs Bills game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 2, 2025
Will play against Chicago
Burks (groin) is active for Sunday's game against the Bears.
ANALYSIS
Burks was tagged as questionable for Week 9 due to a groin injury, but he has been cleared to play Sunday after going through pregame warmups. The 2018 third-rounder has accumulated 23 tackles (nine solo) and a forced fumble across eight regular-season games while serving on both defense and special teams.
Oct 31, 2025
Questionable for Week 9
Burks (groin) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bears, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks practiced in a limited fashion Thursday and Friday after suffering an apparent groin injury. He's played 310 total snaps (189 on special teams, 121 on defense) over Cincinnati's first eight games this season, recording 23 total tackles and a forced fumble. If the 30-year-old is unable to play Sunday, expect Joe Giles-Harris to play an expanded role in the Bengals' linebacker corps.
Mar 10, 2025
Moving to Cincinnati
Burks agreed to a two-year, $5-million deal with the Bengals on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The deal comes with an "opportunity to start" for the linebacker who stepped up in place of the injured Nakobe Dean during Philadelphia's recent Super Bowl run, per Rapoport. In four playoff games, Burks recorded 25 tackles (16 solo), including 1.0 sack, and a pass breakup. Burks has played more on special teams than defense during six of his first seven NFL seasons, making just 17 combined starts at linebacker in the regular season.
Feb 16, 2025
Steps up in 2024 postseason
Burks totaled 41 tackles (20 solo) and one pass defense over 17 regular-season appearances. He added 25 tackles (16 solo), including one sack, and one pass defense across four playoff games.
ANALYSIS
Burks was a core special teamer who played just 41 defense snaps through Week 16. His biggest play of the year came when he forced a fumble on the opening kickoff of the wild-card win against the Packers, and he stepped up into a starting role after inside linebacker Nakobe Dean suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon in this game. Burks tallied 20 tackles while starting the Eagles' final three playoff games, and he finished with five stops in the Super Bowl win against Kansas City. He'll now be an unrestricted free agent heading into his age-30 season in 2025.
Jan 13, 2025
Likely starting in divisional round
Burks is expected to start in place of the injured Nakobe Dean (knee) in Sunday's divisional round playoff game, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
With Dean sustaining a torn patellar tendon in the second quarter of Sunday's win over the Packers, Burks stepped in and saw more defensive work in the second half, finishing the contest with five total tackles and one forced fumble. The Vanderbilt product is likely to remain in the Eagles' first-team defensive lineup with Dean sidelined for the remainder of the season. Burks is expected to start alongside Zack Baun as part of Philadelphia's top inside linebacker duo in the divisional round matchup against the winner Monday night's wild-card game between the Vikings and the Rams.
Dec 30, 2024
Impresses in start
Burks recorded eight total tackles (two solo) and one forced fumble in Sunday's 41-7 win over the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Burks filled in for the injured Nakobe Dean (abdomen) in the Week 17 blowout win, playing 100 percent of Philadelphia's defensive snaps. He impressed, leading the Eagles defense in total tackles while also stripping Jake Ferguson in the middle of the second quarter. If Dean plays through his abdomen issue in the Week 18 matchup against the Giants, Burks is expected to return to his reserve role. However, with the Eagles already having the secured the NFC's No. 2 seed, Dean will likely rest, paving the way for Burks to make his second consecutive start.
Oct 18, 2024
Cleared to play Sunday
Burks (groin) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Giants and is expected to play.
ANALYSIS
Burks has yet to play a single snap on defense this season but is a special teams stalwart for the Eagles, logging 96 snaps across five appearances. Burks has yet to record any stats in the box score.
Aug 17, 2024
Finally back at practice
Burks (knee) participated at practice Saturday, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks was out for most of training camp as he dealt with a knee injury, but it now looks like he's close to being back in playing shape as the regular season approaches. Barring injuries, he figures to play only a minor role in Philadelphia's defense in 2024.
Jul 29, 2024
Misses another practice
Burks (knee) missed his third straight practice Monday, Brooks Kubena of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks inked a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million with the Eagles earlier in the offseason, and he now appears to be dealing with a knee injury that's sidelined him as of late. The Vanderbilt product appeared in 15 games (five starts) with the 49ers in 2023, recording 46 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, while also intercepting one pass. Once Burks returns to full health, he's expected to compete for a rotational role in the Eagles' linebacker corps.
Jul 29, 2024
Misses another practice
Burks (knee) missed his third straight practice Monday, Brooks Kubena of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks inked a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million with the Eagles earlier in the offseason, and he now appears to be dealing with a knee injury. The Vanderbilt product appeared in 15 games (five starts) with the 49ers in 2023, recording 46 total tackles, including 1.0 sack, while also intercepting one pass. Once Burks returns to full health, he's expected to compete for a rotational role in the Eagles' linebacker corps.
Mar 16, 2024
Inks deal with Eagles
Burks signed a one-year contract worth up to $2.5 million with Philadelphia on Saturday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks saw the most defensive work of his career with San Francisco last season, tallying 308 defensive snaps and accumulating a career-best 46 tackles, including a sack. He also continued to play on special teams, which had been his primary role in the NFL prior to last year. Burks will likely provide depth at linebacker for Philadelphia in the coming campaign while adding value as a core special-teamer.
Feb 16, 2024
New career high in tackles
Burks finished with 46 tackles (29 solo), one sack and one interception in 15 games played with San Francisco in 2023.
ANALYSIS
Burks served as the 49ers' Sam linebacker in base formations for most of the regular season, setting a new career high in tackles while playing the most defensive snaps (308) of his career. The six-year pro was also asked to replace starter Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) after the latter suffered a torn Achilles early in Super Bowl LVIII. Burks' strong contributions as a role player could earn the linebacker a shot at starting alongside Fred Warner to begin the 2024 campaign while Greenlaw continues his lengthy recovery. That scenario would require the 49ers to re-sign Burks, whose two-year contract expires this offseason.
Jan 28, 2024
Suiting up for NFC Championship
Burks (shoulder) is active for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Lions, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks sustained a shoulder injury in Thursday's practice and was limited in Friday's session. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported earlier Sunday that Burks was unlikely to play in the NFC Championship Game, but it appears the linebacker will battle through his shoulder issue. He had two solo tackles in the Niners' divisional-round win over the Packers.
Jan 28, 2024
Unlikely to play Sunday
Burks (shoulder) is not expected to suit up for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Lions, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks sustained a shoulder injury during Thursday's practice that left him questionable to play on San Francisco's final injury report. While the nature of this issue is still unclear, the 28-year-old looks like he'll miss Sunday's playoff game. Burks served as a primary reserve linebacker and regular contributor on special teams during the regular season, logging 46 tackles and one interception across 15 appearances. He also played 19 defensive snaps during last week's divisional-round win over Green Bay.
Jan 26, 2024
Dealing with shoulder issue
Burks (shoulder) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Lions, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The 28-year-old was a late addition to the 49ers' injury report, as he sustained a shoulder injury during Thursday's practice and is now in jeopardy of missing the NFC Championship Game. If Burks is unable to suit up this weekend, both Dee Winters and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles could see increased work in San Francisco's linebacker corps.
Dec 29, 2023
Will play at Washington
Burks (knee) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game at Washington, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks will return to action Sunday after he sat out the 49ers' last two games due to a knee injury he sustained in Week 14 versus the Seahawks. He projects to start as San Francisco's third linebacker in Week 17.
Dec 23, 2023
Won't play Monday night
Burks (knee) has been ruled out for Monday night's game against Baltimore, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
ANALYSIS
This will be Burks' second consecutive absence after coach Kyle Shanahan said after Week 14 that Burks would be shut down for multiple weeks. Burks is a bit player on defense who mainly contributes on special teams.
Dec 11, 2023
Set to miss time
Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted Monday that Burks will be "shut down for the next couple of weeks" with knee tendinitis, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks played just six snaps on defense and finished with one tackle before leaving Sunday's 28-16 win over the Seahawks in the first quarter. Depending on his rehab and practice participation, he could make his return Christmas Day against the Ravens. With Dre Greenlaw (hip) also dealing with injuries, Dee Winters and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles could see more snaps at linebacker alongside Fred Warner.
Dec 10, 2023
Exits with knee injury
Burks (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Seahawks.
ANALYSIS
Burks had one tackle before leaving Sunday's game. In his absence, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles has taken over at strong linebacker.
Oct 15, 2023
Filling in for Greenlaw
Burks is expected to start at weak-side linebacker Sunday against the Browns, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks will draw the start with Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) inactive for Sunday's contest. Burks played a season-high 25 defensive snaps in Week 5 against the Cowboys and had five tackles (two solo) and an interception.
Nov 1, 2022
Season-best outing Sunday
Burks recorded seven tackles (four solo) and one pass defended during Sunday's 31-14 victory against the Rams.
ANALYSIS
The 27-year-old played every defensive snap with starting weakside linebacker Dre Greenlaw (calf) ruled out ahead of this contest. Burks has played over twice as many special-teams snaps as defensive snaps over the course of his five-year career, and his playing time will drop off significantly if Greenlaw is able to return against the Chargers on Sunday, Nov. 13 following the 49ers' bye week.
Sep 8, 2022
Practices fully Thursday
Burks (knee) was a full participant during Thursday's practice, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks suffered a knee injury during the 49ers' preseason finale against the Texans, but his ability to practice in full Thursday implies he's moved on from the issue. The fifth-year linebacker could be poised for an increased role during Sunday's matchup against the Bears if presumed starter Dre Greenlaw (elbow) is unable to gain medical clearance prior to kickoff.
Aug 25, 2022
Questionable to return Thursday
Burks suffered a knee injury during Thursday's preseason game at Houston, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
After spending the 2021 season with the Packers, Burks joined the 49ers in March of 2022 and just injured his knee during the 49ers' preseason finale against the Texans. With Curtis Robinson (ankle) out and Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw and Azeez Al-Shaair not in uniform, it's likely that San Francisco will rely on Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Marcelino McCrary-Ball and Segun Olubi for the remainder of Thursday's contest.
Mar 15, 2022
Headed to San Francisco
Burks agreed to a two-year, $5 million contract with the 49ers on Tuesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks was drafted by the Packers in the third-round of the 2018 Draft, but he never garnered a significant defensive role during his time in Green Bay. Last year, he played a career-high 196 snaps and recorded 36 tackles (24 solo) and half a sack over 17 appearances. He'll likely provide depth behind Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw while also being a top special-teams contributor for the 49ers in 2022.
Jan 1, 2022
Activated ahead of Week 17
Burks was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Burks made a quick return to the active roster after hitting the list Tuesday. He'll likely fill a predominantly special-teams role against the Vikings on Sunday.
Dec 28, 2021
Hits COVID list
Burks (illness) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, as a result of testing positive for the virus, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks' potential absence Sunday against the Vikings would put a dent in the Packers' linebacker depth. Playing a rotational role this season, Burks has 29 tackles (21 solo) on the season.
Sep 27, 2021
Helps fill in for injured starter
Burks put up three tackles (two solo) and a half sack in Sunday's 30-28 victory over the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Burks tallied just nine defensive snaps over the first two weeks of the season, but he nearly tripled that mark Sunday, playing 25 snaps after starting inside linebacker Krys Barnes left the game with a concussion. Burks did record a sack over his first three seasons as a professional, but he finally made a mark in that department in his 45th career game.
Aug 30, 2020
Misses practice Sunday
Burks (undisclosed) watched Sunday's practice from the sidelines, Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
ANALYSIS
Burks exited Saturday's practice early, but there's no indication of what the linebacker is dealing with. Heading into his third season, Burks has a good chance to secure a starting role, but he'll need to get healthy first to hold off promising rookie Kamal Martin and Ty Summers.
Jan 21, 2020
Plays reserve role in 2019
Burks had 11 tackles (seven solo) in 12 games this season.
ANALYSIS
The 2018 third-round pick missed the first four weeks of the season with a partially torn left pectoral, but he returned for Week 5 and played a minor defensive role the rest of the season. Green Bay's top inside linebackers -- Blake Martinez and B.J. Goodson -- are both poised to hit free agency in March, leaving Burks, Ty Summers and Curtis Bolton (knee) as the remaining players at the position. Burks could enter training camp with a heavily increased role with a strong offseason, but the Packers likely will make outside additions to the position group, whether it be via the draft or free agency.
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