The Chicago Bears have dealt with the toll of more than their fair share of injuries this offseason, though the team was left with reason for optimism after wide receiver Luther Burden III returned to action on Wednesday, August 26.
The CHGO Bears X account shared video of Burden back at practice for the first time since he sustained a groin injury on August 8.
Luther Burden III returns to the practice field! pic.twitter.com/XY5UbHqM9v
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) August 26, 2026
Burden participated in individual drills as the team eases him back into a full practice load ahead of the regular season, which Chicago begins in Carolina on Sunday, September 13 against the Panthers.
Entering his second NFL season in 2026, the 22-year-old wideout could be looking at a monster share of work in the pass game if he can maintain his health throughout the campaign.
Chicago traded DJ Moore, the team's WR1 for the past several years, to the Buffalo Bills during the offseason. That leaves Burden, an early second-round pick in 2025, and Rome Odunze, a top 10 selection in 2024, as the top wideouts in head coach Ben Johnson's cutting-edge offense.
Tight end Cole Kmet, who came on down the stretch during his rookie campaign last season, will also be a primary target of quarterback Caleb Williams in the pass game, as will fellow TE Cole Kmet.
Burden produced 47 receptions on 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns across 15 games played, including five starts, last year. However, he led all Bears' pass-catchers in essentially every advanced metric during his rookie campaign, per Warren Sharp of Sharp Analysis.
Thus, Burden is not only a darling of one of the league's most exciting and feared offenses under Johnson, he is also a favorite of fantasy football owners everywhere who should be as thrilled that Burden is back on the field as any and all Bears fans.
Bears get several positive injury updates ahead of preseason finale
Chicago had multiple reasons to smile beyond Burden's return Wednesday.
Also back in action was right tackle and second-team All-Pro Darnell Wright after he suffered an injury scare during practice on Tuesday.
Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent returned to the field Wednesday, as did starting outside cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Reserve safety Elijah Hicks was also in attendance, as was fifth-round rookie draft pick and linebacker Keyshaun Elliot.
Big names on Chicago's roster that remain either question marks or who are still sidelined with injuries include left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Coby Bryant.
The Bears play their final preseason game of the summer against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville on Saturday, August 29.
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