Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III appears on track to be ready for Week 1 after a groin injury had put his availability in doubt.
Burden’s setback came during training camp, when he limped off after a heavy collision with cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. He walked off under his own power, but the moment was enough to raise real concern that the Bears might be dealing with a major problem just as Burden was supposed to be headed for a breakout year.
The injury kept him out of all three preseason games, and for a stretch it looked possible he might miss the opener. That worry eased after head coach Ben Johnson gave a positive update on Burden’s status.
“He looks 100% to me,” Johnson replied when asked about Burden’s progress. “Hopefully,” he added, responding to a question about whether his star WR is ready to play.
It wasn’t a full-throated declaration, but it was enough to signal Chicago is feeling better about where Burden stands heading into the season.
Burden’s rookie year gave the Bears plenty to build on. He finished with 47 receptions for 652 yards and 2 touchdowns, and with DJ Moore traded to the Buffalo Bills in the offseason, his role is expected to grow significantly this year. Chicago’s decision to keep him out of preseason action was about making sure he got back to full strength, not pushing him too soon.
Burden was not the only Bears player to get hurt in an offseason practice. Running back Kyle Monangai also went down after a tackle from Grady Jarrett.
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