Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The NFL season is just weeks away from kicking off and the Chicago Bears have a mysterious injury on their hands regarding star wide receiver Luther Burden.
Chicago enters the 2026 campaign with high expectations after head coach Ben Johnson’s successful Year 1. However, Burden’s injury setback could change the outlook of the Bears season depending on the severity.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reveals that the Bears wideout “should miss a little bit of time” with a groin injury. Burden left practice Saturday and sent social media into a frenzy, especially Chicago football fans.
Last season, Burden proved to be a vital asset for Caleb Williams and the Bears’ passing attack. He’s one of several quality receiving options for Chicago, joining Colston Loveland and Rome Odunze.
The former college football star put up 652 yards during his debut season on just 47 receptions. Many NFL experts believe that a Year 2 jump is in the cards given Burden’s speed and exciting downfield play-making style.
How much time will Luther Burden’s injury cost him?
NFL: NFC Divisional Round-Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III runs onto the field before an NFL playoff game. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Johnson’s offense is predicated on speed and deception, which is why Burden’s availability is so important. The Bears have great complementary options in Loveland and Odunze, as well as running back DeAndre Swift.
However, it’s unclear what Chicago would do offensively if Burden does end up missing a lengthy period of time. Rapoport’s update doesn’t offer a specific timetable for the receiver’s return, but the good news for the Bears is that the regular season is still five weeks away.
#Bears WR Luther Burden III suffered a groin injury recently in practice and should miss a little bit of time, source says. One to keep an eye on. pic.twitter.com/TZzSPA8173
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 9, 2026
Burden and Odunze are each expected to take on a larger workload this fall after DJ Moore’s trade to Buffalo. The veteran receiver’s departure opens a pathway for both players to star in Johnson’s offensive scheme.
Bears’ injuries piling up
NFL: Chicago Bears Training Camp
Jul 31, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson speaks during Training Camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Bears open up their 2026 season on the road Sept. 13 against the Carolina Panthers. Both teams made the playoffs a season ago, which adds some extra attention to the regular season opener.
Burden’s injury is far from Chicago’s only worry though at this stage of training camp. The Bears already lost high-profile offseason addition Coby Bryant to a knee injury, while Braxton Jones and Montez Sweat also suffered injuries this week.
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