The Bears returned to the practice field Monday morning for their fifth training camp session, highlighted by the first padded practice of the season. One of the biggest developments was the return of rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III, who suited up for the first time since suffering a soft-tissue injury during rookie minicamp in May.
Bears Offense Adds Another Key Weapon
Burden, the 39th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Missouri, had been sidelined throughout OTAs and minicamp due to a lingering hamstring issue. His absence had sparked concern, but his participation today marked a major step forward as he looks to make his mark in a competitive wide receiver room.
Head coach Ben Johnson had previously labeled Burden’s status “day-to-day” and expressed optimism about his recovery. That hope materialized as Burden moved well in full pads.
Burden is in the mix for a big role behind D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze. Known for his YAC ability, he caught 86 passes for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023 at Missouri, earning first-team All-SEC honors. Though his 2024 production dipped, his explosiveness remains a clear asset.
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His return is timely, with quarterback Caleb Williams working to build chemistry with his new weapons. Burden offers a unique skill set that could complement Moore, Odunze, Cole Kmet and rookie tight end Colston Loveland in what’s shaping up to be a dynamic offense.
While the Bears will likely ramp him up slowly to avoid setbacks, today’s showing was a promising sign. Burden’s confidence hasn’t wavered since the draft. “Everybody who passed up on me has got to pay,” he said after being selected. If he stays healthy, he could soon make good on that promise.
