Luther Burden III is expected to miss about a month with a groin injury, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Zenitz reported that Burden suffered the injury Saturday and that sources hope the Chicago Bears wide receiver will be available for the season opener against the Panthers. An absence of that length could limit his training-camp work.
What Is Known About Burden’s Injury
Zenitz’s report provided an expected absence of about a month, but the Bears had not issued an official statement detailing the severity of the injury or a formal recovery timetable.
Burden exited Chicago’s Aug. 8 practice early after an apparent lower-body injury during a one-on-one repetition. He walked into the locker room with a member of the team’s training staff and did not return to practice.
Burden and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson became tangled up on the final rep of red-zone one-on-ones, and Burden later walked toward the weight room under his own power without returning to practice. Stevenson received treatment on the sideline after the play.
Chicago’s Receiver Context Without Burden
Burden was expected to be a key part of Chicago’s offense in 2026. He recorded 47 catches for 652 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie and was set for a full-time starting role across from Rome Odunze after the Bears traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills during the offseason.
If Burden misses time, Kalif Raymond looks like a likely temporary option for the Bears’ No. 2 receiver role. Scotty Miller, Jahdae Walker, and rookie Zavion Thomas could also see additional work in the meantime.
What the Timeline Means for Week 1
The reported month-long timetable places Burden’s status near the start of the regular season in focus. The hope is for Burden to be available against Carolina, though the Bears have not announced a formal timetable.
Chicago was scheduled to open its preseason Aug. 15 against the Cleveland Browns. Burden’s availability for that game was unclear as of Aug. 9, as was whether the Bears planned to have their starters play.
What Comes Next for Burden’s Recovery
Further clarity will come from any official team update and from Burden’s future practice participation. For now, the clearest reported expectations are an absence of about a month and the hope that he can be available for Chicago’s regular-season opener.
