May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III warms up during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

How Luther Burden III Did in Week 2 of the NFL Preseason: The Buzz

Originally posted on Missouri Tigers on SI
By Joey Van Zummeren | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 8:44 AM ET

Luther Burden III had the second-most receiving yards on the team for the Chicago Bears Sunday night in a Week 2 preseason game, but his best impact didn't make it on the stat sheet.

Though Burden caught three passes for 49 yards against the Buffalo Bills, what was more noticeable was what he did as a run blocker.

On two touchdowns for the Bears in the second quarter, Burden went in motion to set a block and clear the path for the running back.

Being a willing and able run blocker has been a critical point for receivers in Chicago head coach Ben Johnson's offensive philosophy, dating back to his time as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator. It's also an emphasis in Missouri's wide-zone run scheme, giving Burden three years as a Tiger to focus in on the skill.

.@IanWheeler_26 punches it in on 4th down

: FOX
pic.twitter.com/vOGyfZK4af
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 18, 2025

Great Brittain

: FOX pic.twitter.com/rgTgJp9gCw
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 18, 2025

Burden embracing his role as a run blocker should lead to more opportunities in the offense. In the looks he received in the pass game, Burden looked like his usual self, finding separation, making tough catches and making defenders miss in space.

Bears rookie WR Luther Burden III getting his number called a good amount tonight pic.twitter.com/jYV73ptwHo
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) August 18, 2025

To round out his first NFL preseason, Burden will return to Missouri, with the Bears traveling to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on Friday at 7:20 p.m.

Upcoming Mizzou Events

Soccer vs. Youngstown State on Wednesday at 7 p.m. - Watch, Live Stats

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Did you notice?

Former Missouri and current Green Bay Packers linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper has received praise from many Packers reporters and analysts for the growth he's made from his rookie season as he enters Year 2.

The most improved Packer from last year is Ty'Ron Hopper (LB #59) pic.twitter.com/VtoMpyf2BI
— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) August 17, 2025

Missouri senior diver Collier Dyer, representing the United States with Arizona's Luke Hernandez, finished in third place in the men's 3-meter synchronized diving final at the

Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay.

Coming home with bronze

Collier Dyer scored 346.29 with Luke Hernandez to place third in 3-meter synchro!#MIZ pic.twitter.com/jP4HyZAefN
— Mizzou Swimming & Diving (@MizzouSwimDive) August 18, 2025