One of the key breakout candidates for the upcoming season should be sidelined into September by a groin injury.
Luther Burden left the Bears’ practice on Saturday. According to various platforms, he’ll miss all of their preseason game but likely will be ready for their season opener.
It’s an injury that cuts two ways. There’s the worry of him entering the season at less than 100 percent health – with the injury maybe getting aggravated at some point. And there’s the worry of the missed practice reps in August resulting in him being a less effective player.
The Bears traded DJ Moore in the offseason; they’re hoping Burden can take a big step up. This injury makes it less like that ascension will occur.
At the same time, Ben Johnson was sure gushing about Burden early in camp. He’s been awfully confident the second-year receiver is ready to take on a much bigger role.
When Johnson was the offensive coordinator for three years in Detroit, Amon-Ra St. Brown averaged 113 catches. And the coach has been talking as if Burden will be doing the same kind of things for the Bears.
“He wasn’t a full-time starter for us a year ago, but the snaps that he did have, he’s got that competitive edge and desire to be great, and it’s carried over into the spring and summer as well,” Johnson said. “St. Brown in Detroit, who I have a strong affinity for, he plays the game the same way. I feel that from Luther. … He wants to be the most conditioned player on the team. wants to be one of the strongest receivers on the team and just continues to soak in all the knowledge.”
I’m not crazy about the injury. By definition, it needs to lower Burden some on draft boards – it creates extra risk. But he’s still a player I’m very much interested in coming out of my draft with.
—Ian Allan
