The Bears finished their first of three offseason practices on Tuesday. Rookies were only required to attend. However, both Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze showed up. Ben Johnson appreciated the Bears non-rookies who attended practice today, a group that included Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze: “He’s committed to learning the offense… Every chance he gets to get full-speed reps, he wants them.”
After practice, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson met with the media and addressed whether rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III would be ready for training camp next month. “He will,” Johnson said confidently.
Burden suffered a soft tissue injury during rookie minicamp that has sidelined him for OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Although unable to practice, Burden has been working hard to learn the offense. His full participation at training camp in late July will be crucial. With Ben Johnson now installing a brand-new offensive scheme and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams needing all his weapons available to get up to speed, the presence of Burden—and rookie tight end Colston Loveland, who’s also been sidelined—is key. Both top picks are expected to be ready for training camp. However, it is worth monitoring as training camp gets closer and closer.
Chicago Bears Mini Camp: Best Highlights & Takeaways
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How long does it take to completely heal from this kind of injury? Will it reoccur in the same spot?
Good news. I’m speechless.
I’ve grown so pessimistic over what teams say about injuries that I don’t want to hear anything. I want them on the field. Otherwise, they’re unavailable and that starts meaning something with who that player is. Not impressed that he gets injured during pretend practices like Rookie mini-camp. Who is he and what will he be? It’s effing hilarious that some are so eager to trade DJ because they drafted this supposed 1st round pick in 2nd.
This makes me warm and toasty in all the right places hearing Caleb and Rome showed up. They are true professionals.