The Chicago Bears may soon have one of their young offensive players back on the field. Rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III, who suffered a concussion in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens, has been making progress through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
After missing the team’s Week 9 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Burden returned to full participation on Wednesday, signaling that he is nearing medical clearance to play. The Bears will face the New York Giants in Week 10 on Sunday.
Luther Burden III Injury Update
Burden III’s concussion occurred during the third quarter of the Chicago Bears’ game against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 26. The hit forced him out of the game, and he was ruled out shortly thereafter. As per the NFL’s concussion protocol, Burden was out in Week 9 to allow for recovery.
Typically, a player practicing fully by midweek indicates they are on the path to clearing the final stage of the protocol, which involves consultation with an independent neurologist. Given this, he might be available for Week 10.
The rookie second-round pick’s return would be welcome for a Bears offense that has been incredible in recent weeks. However, the wide receiver group has been dealing with injuries. DJ Moore (hip/groin) and Rome Odunze (ankle/heel) missed Wednesday’s practice. However, both played through their injuries in Week 9.
Through seven games, Burden has recorded 13 receptions on 15 targets for 171 yards and one touchdown. His best production came against the Dallas Cowboys, when he caught three passes for 101 yards, including a 65-yard flea-flicker touchdown.
However, Burden’s rookie season has been slowed by missed time, first from a hamstring issue that kept him out of OTAs and the start of training camp, and now because of a concussion.
Chicago’s offensive system, led by Ben Johnson, is complex and requires extensive knowledge of pre-snap motion and alignments, making it hard for any rookie to adjust immediately. However, Burden is confident that all will go well.
“I feel like I can do everything in this offense,” Burden said in August via ESPN. “I’m just really trying to get my feet wet, get situated on the field and learn my playbook. I feel like everything else will take care of itself.”
Johnson has praised veteran receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, who has filled in capably during Burden’s absence, but the rookie’s return could be a much-needed reinforcement.