Luther Burden III groin injury: expected back for Week 1
By Michael
Luther Burden III groin injury: what we know
Chicago Bears WR Luther Burden III strained his groin during a practice drill Saturday and is expected to miss the rest of the preseason, per Adam Schefter. The Bears believe he will be healthy for their regular-season opener against the Carolina Panthers.
The injury happened during red zone one-on-ones at Halas Hall. Burden was seen limping off the field with a trainer and did not return to practice. CBS Sports reported the expectation is he misses roughly a month, with the organization hopeful he is available for Week 1. Multiple outlets corroborate that timeline.
Burden is a second-year player coming off a rookie season in which he caught 47 passes, finishing second among Bears wide receivers in receptions. This offseason, D.J. Moore was traded to the Buffalo Bills, opening a larger role for Burden in Chicago's offense.
What this means for your roster
The preseason absence is largely noise. Burden missing the exhibition schedule does not cost him any stat-line value. The real question is whether the groin tightens or lingers into September.
Schefter's report frames the Week 1 return as an expectation, not a certainty. NBC Sports noted that treating Burden as questionable for the opener is the more cautious call for now. Monitor his practice status as training camp progresses.
If you are rostering Burden in redraft or dynasty, hold. His opportunity in Chicago expanded this offseason and the injury does not appear to be a long-term concern. Check for updates closer to the Panthers game before finalizing any start or sit decision.