If actions from the recent training session are any indication, the Chicago Bears may already be regretting their second-round selection in the NFL Draft. New head coach Ben Johnson threw rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III out of Tuesday’s session after he made a mistake at the line of scrimmage.
Is Luther Burden Already in Ben Johnson’s Doghouse at Bears Training Camp?
Reporters at the Chicago Bears’ training facility at Halas Hall chronicled the event. Bears insider Greg Braggs Jr. reported that Johnson was furious with Burden and stared at him after throwing him out of practice.
Braggs also wrote about how Caleb Williams had some nice throws early in the practice. But then came the highlight:
“Luther Burden with a mistake at the LOS, and Ben Johnson tossed him from that series of team drills with a hard stare down. Not playing around.”
Zack Pearson, Bears reporter for 247 Sports, then added that the issue stemmed from Burden lining up at the wrong place on the line of scrimmage.
“Looks like Ben Johnson wasn’t happy with Luther Burden. Pulled him out of a drill. Think Burden had trouble lining up in his right spot. #Bears”
This latest development does not bode well for Burden, after questions about his inconsistency crept up during the pre-draft process. NFL teams tried to figure out why his production dipped in 2024 despite staying healthy, and some people questioned if the St. Louis native chose to play football for Missouri to avoid being challenged. If that is true, Burden is in for a rude awakening as things will be very different now that he is in the NFL.
Has Burden’s Early Injury Created a Steep Climb in Chicago?
Johnson was candid in his assessment of Burden when he spoke to reporters following the practice session. He admitted that Burden’s absence during organized team activities (OTAs) has put him behind schedule.
Johnson stated, “We were in the walk-through yesterday afternoon, and the misalignments — we have to re-huddle, we have to start it all over again. He’s a little bit behind right now.”
Burden missed time following rookie minicamp due to a hamstring issue, and only returned to practice on July 28.
Johnson was also reportedly frustrated that Burden spent most of the time with the training staff during OTAs, instead of being out on the field watching practice.
Things are not going well for Burden in his welcome to the NFL, and he needs to improve to live up to his selection as pick No. 39 in the 2025 NFL Draft.
