Luther Burden arrived with plenty of excitement after his run at Missouri. The wide receiver seemed like the total package, boasting size, strength, speed, and route-running ability. Falling under the guidance of head coach Ben Johnson was the perfect scenario. However, after things started fine in OTAs this spring, Burden exited with what was later reported to be a hamstring issue. He missed the rest of the practices until the break. Still, there was confidence that he would be ready for training camp. Fast forward to Wednesday, the first practice at Halas Hall, and Burden was nowhere to be found. People didn’t understand, and the lack of explanation from the Bears wasn’t helping. Ryan Poles finally addressed the situation.
The Bears GM appeared on the Hoge & Jahns podcast to discuss the team’s current situation. He was immediately asked about Burden. While he made it clear the full disclosure would come from Johnson on Thursday morning, he stated nothing was going on that the Bears were concerned about. Burden had arrived at camp in shape and ready to go.
“Nothing major in terms of concerns. Dealing with a soft tissue deal in the spring. Came back in shape ready to go.”
Ryan Poles’ hint made it seem like this isn’t an injury issue.
That usually means the player is dealing with some off-the-field stuff. Getting an excuse to miss practice is standard procedure in such situations. Still, there are fears the hamstring problem might be lingering for the young receiver. Few injuries are harder for wide receivers to recover from than that. Ryan Poles isn’t known for being facetious, though. If he says there aren’t any concerns about the situation, it is okay to take him at his word. This at least indicates that Burden’s absence won’t be long, whatever the reason for it. Either way, the Bears have no reason to panic. They have plenty of options at wide receiver. This means veteran Olamide Zacchaeus will get more of the snaps with the starting offense alongside D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze.
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