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Update on Luther Burden III: Bears Coach Talks Injury While Camp Moves Forward

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 10:25 AM ET

Bears hoping rookie WR returns soon as soft-tissue setback lingers into camp

Day two of Chicago Bears training camp is in the books, and day three is fast approaching. The major question hanging over Halas Hall? Whether rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III will finally make his presence felt. Fans have been eager to see the dynamic playmaker on the field, but his absence continues to dominate early camp storylines. Head coach Ben Johnson addressed the situation this morning, offering some much-needed insight.

Johnson spoke during his morning press conference and shared an update that appeared on the team’s official social channels:

‘We were very hopeful that he would be ready to go on Day 1 [of training camp], but the soft-tissue injury he was dealing with in the spring time lingered a little bit longer than we wanted. So really it’s day-to-day with him. We’re hopeful we’ll get him out there very 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.

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

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