Chicago Bears wide receivers Luther Burden III and Zavion Thomas were injured in back-to-back practices. Here is the latest health update and the timelines for the Bears' pass catchers.
Over the past two training camp practices, the Chicago Bears' wide receiver room has been hit with a series of injuries, and there are now updated timelines for Luther Burden III and Zavion Thomas.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Burden "is expected to miss the preseason due to the strained groin injury he suffered Saturday, but the Bears believe he should be back for the team’s regular-season opener vs. the Panthers, per sources."
ESPN's Courtney Cronin provided an update on Thomas, who left Sunday's practice with a knee injury after getting knocked down during a 7-on-7 rep. Thomas "isn't expected to miss much time, per a source. I'm told he's dealing with soreness in his knee and is likely day-to-day in his recovery. He shouldn't be out long."
Luther Burden III exited Saturday's full padded practice early after getting tangled up in a 1-on-1 rep with cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Both players were injured on the play, but after Stevenson received treatment on his back, he participated in the remainder of practice. Burden walked off the field slowly with trainer Andre Tucker.
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has discussed the importance training camp and how it sets the stage for the upcoming season, so regardless of how many reps Burden and Thomas miss, both players will lose opportunities gaining chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams.
It's unknown, though, how much Johnson was going to play his starters in the preseason, starting with Saturday's matchup against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field. The Bears also have two joint practices scheduled with the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans.
Last season, Johnson didn't play his starters after the first joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. After hosting the Buffalo Bills at Halas Hall, the Bears' first-team offense played two series in the game, while Dennis Allen's defense played one series, forcing a three-and-out. In the preseason finale against the Chiefs last season, Williams and the starting offense played 27 snaps. Members on the starting defense registered at most 21 snaps.
Earlier this offseason, Johnson said that he's "buying stock" in Burden. The Bears' second-year receiver has consistently made plays throughout training camp, continuing where he left off after catching 47 passes for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games played as a rookie.
Even though Burden is anticipated to miss the preseason, Johnson's comments and the receiver's play during the summer indicate he's ready for a breakout season. The former No. 39 overall pick from Missouri needs to focus on returning to full health so he can be ready for the Week 1 regular-season road game against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 13.
Thomas is still learning this Bears' offense, so he'll have to stay focused on mastering his play book while he is sidelined. He does have veteran receiver Kalif Raymond that he can lean on if he has any questions about Johnson's offense.
With the Bears down two receivers for the time being, expect to see Jahdae Walker, Scotty Miller and Maurice Alexander getting some reps with the starting offense. The Bears may also prioritize using more tight ends on the field, which will give rookie Sam Roush more opportunities.
