Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears rookie did not participate at practice Day 1

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 11:04 AM ET

The Chicago Bears needed rookies Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III to get up to speed quickly during training camp this summer after missing veteran OTAs in the spring due to injuries. Loveland was recovering from a shoulder surgery, and Burden suffered a “soft tissue injury” during rookie minicamp in May.

On Wednesday, the Bears held their first practice training camp at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois. Per multiple reports, Burden was not a participant in practice.

“Luther Burden III did not participate in the first day of Bears training camp practice,” CHSN posted on X.

Luther Burden III did not participate in the first day of Bears training camp practice. pic.twitter.com/5xlJNM9LCS

— Bears on CHSN (@CHSN_Bears) July 23, 2025

Luther Burden III is a promising rookie

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Bears took Burden with the No. 39 pick in the 2025 draft. Burden signed his fully guaranteed, $10.965 million contract right before rookies were set to report to Halas Hall on July 19.

Burden had a stellar season in 2023, recording 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns. His numbers went down in 2024 amid quarterback woes at Missouri, when the junior added 61 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns.

Burden entered 2024 expected to be taken in the first round of April’s draft. However, decreased production and questions about his work ethic dropped Burden in the second round.

The Chicago Bears need Burden practicing

NFL: Chicago Bears Minicamp Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson speaks during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Now the rookie has yet to catch any meaningful passes for quarterback Caleb Williams at practice since the six-foot, 206-pound receiver was drafted. Before the summer break, head coach Ben Johnson expressed his frustration with Burden being with the training staff during OTAs instead of being with his teammates on the field.

The Bears have been looking for extra help at wide receiver amid Burden’s injury. On Monday, the Bears visited with veteran receiver DJ Chark. So far, Chicago has held off on signing significant help at the position.

That could change if Burden continues to miss time at camp.

MLB: St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago White Sox Chicago Bears rookie Luther Burden III throws out a ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Chicago White Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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