The Chicago Bears wrap up the 2025 NFL regular season when they take on the Detroit Lions in Week 18. With a win, they secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC and even got some help from the Philadelphia Eagles, who will rest their starters for this weekend's finale.
The good news continued trickling in, as head coach Ben Johnson gave a positive update on rookie receiver Luther Burden. When asked about his status for this week, Johnson said (h/t @CHGO_Bears), "We're hopeful he'll be just fine this week."
This is great news for the Bears' outlook in Week 18, as well as for the postseason following how they felt following Burden's injury against the 49ers.
Luther Burden Could Play for Bears in Week 18
Burden suffered an injury on the last play of the game against the 49ers and had to be carted off. Following the loss, ESPN's Courtney Cronin reported that Burden was grabbing his left hamstring as he went in for an X-ray. Then on Monday morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter clarified that Chicago's first-year playmaker suffered a quad injury, which, fortunately, isn't as serious as first thought.
With the postseason right around the corner, the Bears want to be as healthy as possible, especially at receiver. Rome Odunze has missed the last four games with a nagging foot injury, which has led to more opportunities for Burden.
Burden's production has continued to increase, as he's seen his receiving yards go up over the last three weeks. In Week 17, the Missouri product had a career day, posting eight catches (nine targets) for 138 receiving yards and one touchdown. He's now up to an 18-289-1 stat line in his last three games, which would put him on pace for 102 catches, 1,637 yards, and six touchdowns in a 17-game slate.
Getting carted off is never a good sign, but thankfully, the Bears dodged a bullet. Burden has developed into a quality playmaker and is one of four Bears pass catchers over 600 receiving yards on the season. The 22-year-old is dynamic and shifty when the ball is in his hands, making this offense more explosive. The fact that they are hopeful to see him take the field shows how close he actually is to suiting up.
The Bears are fighting to lock down the second seed in the NFC, and a healthy Burden gives them a better chance of achieving that. Not having to deal with a lingering injury going into the playoffs is huge and exactly what Chicago needs to hear.