Bears’ Burden III sidelined for preseason with groin injury

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III is expected to miss the entire preseason following a groin injury sustained during team practice, according to sources cited by ESPN. The team anticipates the 22-year-old will be recovered and available for the regular-season opener against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1.

The injury occurred on Saturday during the final repetition of red zone one-on-one drills. Burden tangled with cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, resulting in both players being affected. Stevenson landed on his back, requiring sideline treatment and causing him to miss part of the subsequent 11-on-11 period, though he eventually finished practice.

Burden, selected in the second round of the 2025 draft, recorded 497 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns during his rookie season. The Bears’ medical staff and coaching staff are monitoring his progress with the expectation that he will not require extended time away from the roster beyond the preseason window.

Other personnel updates from the practice facility include wide receiver Zavion Thomas, who is dealing with knee soreness. Thomas sustained the issue during 7-on-7 drills on Sunday. Sources indicate the condition is not considered serious, and he is not expected to miss significant time.

The team’s focus remains on ensuring Burden is medically cleared for the start of the regular season. While the preseason absence is confirmed, the timeline for his return to full contact drills remains subject to ongoing assessment by the Bears’ medical team.