Ben Johnson doesn’t come across as somebody who has a lot of patience regarding practice. By all accounts, he is a stickler for it. Not only must you show up, but you must also be willing to work hard. That is why several players have caught heat from him in the past few weeks whenever they make mental mistakes. It isn’t that he tries to single them out to pick on. He’s setting the tone early that this team’s standard is being raised—no more cutting corners. The problem is that certain guys are available to get those lessons, particularly those who need them the most. Among them is Luther Burden.
Johnson is a big fan of the Missouri wide receiver. Most believe the head coach was a key proponent of drafting him in the 2nd round two months ago. Things started fine. Burden was on hand for rookie minicamps. However, he has now missed both OTAs and mandatory minicamps with what was called a “soft tissue” injury. That could be anything from a calf, quad, or hamstring. Whatever the case, it is clear his absence isn’t sitting well with the head coach, who spoke about it on Tuesday.
That message is to do a better job of taking care of your body. Injuries happen. That is a fact of life in the NFL. However, soft tissue injuries are much easier to prevent with the right nutrition, stretching, and exercise routines. Luther Burden suffering this setback before the serious work even begins is frustrating for a coach. Johnson made it clear that the rookie better be ready when training camp starts next month. There won’t be any training wheels waiting for him. If he wants to get playing time this season, he must earn it. This coaching staff will not hand out freebies based on when you were drafted. The Bears already have three proven veterans in D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, and Olamide Zaccheaus. All three were available during every practice. Johnson won’t forget that.
