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Bears Receive Positive Update on Luther Burden III

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 11:17 AM ET

Rookie WR's return to full practice gear offers promising sign for Chicago's offense

Week two of Chicago Bears training camp is underway, and Monday marked the first day players practiced in full pads. While it's a routine part of camp, the added physicality often gives coaches a clearer look at where players stand. One player many were keeping tabs on was rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III, who had yet to appear in full participation due to a lingering injury. Head coach Ben Johnson addressed the situation last week, setting the stage for what turned out to be a promising update.

Today, fans finally got the update they were hoping for. According to Dave, a senior NFL writer for SM covering the Bears, on X, 'Bears rookie WR Luther Burden is at practice'—and not just present, but fully suited up in pads.

It marks the first time the team’s top rookie receiver has been seen participating in full since suffering a soft-tissue setback earlier in the offseason.

Bears rookie WR Luther Burden is at practice pic.twitter.com/d2wXTFJ4Yy
— Dave (@dave_bfr) July 28, 2025

Johnson explained last week that the team initially hoped Burden would be ready for the start of training camp, but a soft-tissue injury from the spring lingered longer than expected. He emphasized that the situation was being handled day-to-day and expressed optimism that Burden would be back on the field soon.

The Burden injury saga stretches back roughly two months, beginning in May. He missed all of OTAs in June due to the same issue. General manager Ryan Poles also weighed in earlier this week on the Hoge & Jahns show, saying: ‘Nothing major in terms of concerns with [Luther Burden]. He was dealing with a soft-tissue deal in the spring. He came back in shape and ready to go.’

As time ticks away, concern grows. Missing OTAs and now critical camp reps could impact his transition to the NFL. For Chicago, the priority remains getting him healthy—before the gap becomes a problem. But today’s development, with Burden in full pads and back on the field, signals a step in the right direction.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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