With the Chicago Bears trading away wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills this off-season, this was going to open up the door for Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III to become the top two wide receivers for quarterback Caleb Williams this season. Well, Burden last season showed flashes of major potential as a rookie.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 4: Luther Burden III #10 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Solider Field on January 4, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
He caught 47 passes for 652 yards receiving and two touchdowns, along with averaging 13.9 yards per reception. Burden was targeted 60 times, and he is only 22 years old. Well Courtney Cronin of espn.com said about Burden on Monday morning,
“Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III is expected to miss the preseason after suffering a groin injury in practice, but the team believes he should be back for the regular-season opener against the Carolina Panthers, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
Burden, 22, suffered the injury during Saturday’s practice when he got tangled up with cornerback Tyrique Stevenson on the final rep of red zone one-on-ones.
Stevenson landed on his back and lay on the ground for several moments in visible pain. He was helped to his feet and received treatment on the sideline before eventually finishing practice despite having to pull himself out of an 11-on-11 period.”
Chicago Bears Depth Chart After Luther Burden III Injury
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 4: Luther Burden III #10 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball as Derrick Barnes #55 of the Detroit Lions pursues during the second half of an NFL football game at Solider Field on January 4, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
With Burden being injured, this will open up the door for some other opportunities for some wide receivers. After Odunze, Kalif Raymond is the other starting wide receiver on the depth chart. Chicago is very thin at the wide receiver position. Zavion Thomas, Scotty Miller, and Jahdae Walker are some of the other wide receivers to keep an eye on for the Bears.
Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, and Sam Roush are three reliable tight ends for the Bears. They maybe used more often, but the Bears need more help on the outside. If Burden is not ready for Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, maybe head coach Ben Johnson or general manager Ryan Poles will trade for more wide receiver help here.
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