Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (quadriceps) has been cleared to suit up for Sunday's Week 18 matchup versus the Detroit Lions. Burden was limited in practice to begin the week, but he has been cleared to play after getting through two full practice sessions to end the week. The rookie wideout is seeing a larger workload with Rome Odunze (foot) being sidelined since Week 13. Odunze carries a questionable tag heading into Week 18, but he's not expected to play. During that span, Burden has seen six or more targets in each of those games. He's coming off his best performance of the season, where he hauled in eight receptions for 138 yards and one touchdown in the loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17. Fantasy managers should consider Burden a high-end WR2 for this weekend, assuming Odunze remains out.
Jan 2, 2026 6:19 PM EST
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (quad) was listed as a full practice participant on Thursday's injury report after being limited in practice on Wednesday due to a quad injury. Barring a setback, the 22-year-old appears to be trending towards playing in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions. With Bears wideout Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined by a foot injury in recent weeks, Burden III has emerged as a breakout player in his team's offense. Across three games played without Odunze since Week 14, Burden III has recorded 18 catches for 289 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets. Odunze has yet to practice this week, so he could be trending towards missing his fifth straight contest in Week 18. If active, Burden III profiles as a high-end fantasy WR2 in a favorable matchup against Detroit on Sunday.
Jan 1, 2026 4:23 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III exploded in Week 17, hauling in eight of nine targets for 138 yards and a touchdown in the 42-38 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. After missing a game due to an ankle sprain that he suffered in Week 15, Burden had his breakout game with Rome Odunze (foot) inactive again. With Odunze listed as a DNP on Wednesday, the rookie receiver could be in line for another big day against the Detroit Lions. The Lions' secondary ranks as the second-worst against wide receivers this season, and with the Bears planning to play their starters and potentially quarterback Caleb Williams targeting a 4,000-yard season (which would be the first in Bears franchise history), Burden is a must-start in Week 18.
Jan 1, 2026 10:11 AM EST
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said the team is "hopeful" that wide receiver Luther Burden III (quad) will be able to play in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions, per Harrison Graham of Chat Sports. Burden III suffered a quad injury on the final play of Chicago's Week 17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but it appears he has avoided a long-term absence. Chicago has already locked up the NFC North crown, but it can assure itself of the number two seed in the NFC playoffs with a win over Detroit. Burden III has emerged as a late-season breakout player, recording 18 catches for 289 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets over his last three games played. Chicago may remain without wideout Rome Odunze (foot) in Week 18, which would keep Burden III in the team's WR2 role alongside veteran wide receiver DJ Moore. If active, Burden III profiles as a borderline fantasy WR1 against Detroit in Week 18.
Dec 31, 2025 1:28 PM EST
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (quad) suffered a quad injury on the last play of the game in his team's Week 17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers that will require additional testing. However, initial reports indicate that the injury is not thought to be serious, which could give Burden III a chance to play in his team's Week 18 match against the Detroit Lions. Before getting hurt, Burden III had a massive game against San Francisco, hauling in eight catches for 138 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. With Bears wideout Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined by a foot injury, Burden III has emerged as an integral part of his team's passing game. Across three games played without Odunze, Burden III has recorded 18 receptions for 289 yards and a score on 22 targets. Given that they already have the NFC North crown locked up, Chicago could choose to be cautious with Burden III and hold him out of Week 18. However, he would profile as a must-add player off the waiver wire if further reporting indicates he's healthy enough to play.
Dec 29, 2025 11:00 AM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (quad), who was carted off the field after Sunday night's game, suffered a quad injury that is not thought to be serious. He will undergo additional testing today, ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports. The very last play of the game, with the Bears down 42-38, they had the ball inside the red zone, and while quarterback Caleb Williams was scrambling, trying to find an open receiver in the end zone to win the game, Burden was crunched between a few defenders and was down on the field. After the incomplete pass, the game ended so abruptly, and the 49ers team stormed the field. We saw a quick mention of Burden being down on the field; however, on television, it was never further discussed. The additional testing on Monday morning will provide further clarity into the severity of his injury. Fantasy managers who are still competing in Week 18 will want to keep their eyes on this, as Rome Odunze(foot) has missed the last few games and Burden has taken advantage of his opportunities. Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahdae Walker would likely see an increased amount of playing time should Burden miss any time. At the same time, DJ Moore and Colston Loveland would likely be the biggest beneficiaries.
Dec 29, 2025 9:12 AM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) is off the injury report and good to go in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. Burden suffered an ankle injury in Week 15, which caused him to exit that game in the first half and miss last week's thrilling win over the Green Bay Packers. With Burden back in the lineup, he has an opportunity to produce and potentially win fantasy championships this week. Rome Odunze has been ruled out once again, and Burden has been a force with him out, averaging over 75 receiving yards in games Odunze is out. He also faces a 49ers secondary that has struggled against the pass this season. Their injuries have played a significant role, and with three cornerbacks ruled out this week, look for Burden and the Bears to unleash on this secondary. Burden is a high-upside WR3 in Week 17.
Dec 27, 2025 4:41 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) was a full practice participant on Friday and carries no injury designation into the team's Sunday Night matchup with the 49ers. Burden injured his ankle in a Week 15 blowout of the Browns, in which he had seen his highest target share of the season, and was forced to miss Chicago's Week 16 divisional win over the Packers. In his last two games played without Rome Odunze (foot), who was ruled out on Friday for what will be his fourth consecutive game, Burden has caught 10 of 13 targets for 151 yards and a touchdown. He projects as RotoBaller's WR37 for the week and should be viewed as a high-upside flex play against a 49ers defense that has allowed nearly 230 passing yards per game and 27 touchdowns through the air.
Dec 26, 2025 3:40 PM EST
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity for the second straight day ahead of Sunday night's matchup with the hosting San Francisco 49ers. The 22-year-old was deemed inactive for Week 16's win over the Packers after failing to practice at all leading up to the outing. However, Burden stringing together two limited sessions would seemingly put him on track to suit up on the road against San Francisco. If the rookie can get himself cleared to play in Sunday's game, he'd be in store for another significant workload, considering teammate Rome Odunze (foot) is trending toward not playing. In the event that neither plays, fantasy managers can fire up DJ Moore as a strong play against an exploitable 49ers' pass defense. Fellow wideouts Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahdae Walker would slot in behind him.
Dec 26, 2025 12:46 AM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) was limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to Bears Communications. Burden injured his ankle in the Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns and was forced to sit out of Saturday's win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 16. The 22-year-old has returned to the practice field, though, making it possible that he's back this Sunday night versus the San Francisco 49ers. Fellow wideout Rome Odunze (foot) most likely won't be active again until the start of the playoffs, so Burden could have serious fantasy football upside as a WR4/flex this weekend if he returns as Chicago's WR2 behind DJ Moore. In his last two games with Odunze sidelined, Burden had 10 catches on 13 targets for 151 yards. He's had at least six targets in all three games he played with Odunze out.
Dec 24, 2025 4:14 PM EST
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) was not spotted at practice on Tuesday, per Michal Dwojak of Bears Insider. Burden III was inactive for Chicago's Week 16 win over the Green Bay Packers due to an ankle injury, and may be in danger of missing his team's Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers as well. Across 13 games this season, Burden III has hauled in 36 catches for 479 yards and a touchdown on 47 targets. He appeared to be emerging before getting hurt, as he had earned 19 targets across a three-game stretch from Week 13 through Week 15. If Burden III remains sidelined against San Francisco, wideouts Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahdae Walker will likely soak up additional playing time alongside veteran wide receiver D.J. Moore. Chicago is also dealing with an injury to wideout Rome Odunze (foot), so the team's depth at the position is being tested.
Dec 23, 2025 4:47 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) has officially been ruled out for Saturday's divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The rookie second-rounder was unable to practice this week and will be forced to miss his second game of the season with an ankle injury. The Bears will be short-handed at receiver for a critical Week 16 game, with Rome Odunze (foot) ruled out for the third straight week as he manages a stress fracture in his foot. Burden was surging in Odunze's absence, posting his two highest yardage totals since his 101-yard performance in Week 3. He led the Bears in receiving in both games, hauling in four of six targets for 67 yards in Week 14 versus the Packers, and six of seven targets for 84 yards last week against the Browns. DJ Moore, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Devin Duvernay will likely see the bulk of the snaps at wide receiver, with rookie tight end Colston Loveland also in line for more targets on Saturday.
Dec 18, 2025 3:12 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) is missing a second straight day of practice this week on Wednesday due to an ankle injury, according to Marquee Sports Network's Scott Bair. The Bears could be short-handed on offense at the receiver position on Saturday night against the division-rival Green Bay Packers, as Rome Odunze (foot) has yet to practice this week after missing the last two games with a stress fracture in his foot. In the last two contests with Odunze on the sideline, the 22-year-old Burden has capitalized for his fantasy managers with 10 catches for 151 yards on 13 targets. However, unless he practices on Thursday, Burden could miss this weekend's game in the Windy City. If both Burden and Odunze are inactive, DJ Moore, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Devin Duvernay would operate in three-receiver sets. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland would be on the TE1 map with more targets coming his way as well.
Dec 17, 2025 3:35 PM EST
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) is dealing with an ankle injury that caused him to miss practice on Tuesday ahead of Chicago's Week 16 matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. If Burden III can get back on the practice field and prove healthy enough to play, he could see his best opportunity of the season to make an impact in Chicago. Bears wideout Rome Odunze (foot) also missed practice on Tuesday and is considered week-to-week with a stress fracture in his foot. With Odunze sidelined in Week 15, Burden III recorded six catches for 84 yards on seven targets despite being limited to just 29 offensive snaps due to the ankle injury. Burden III's role has been steadily growing over the second half of the season, as he's earned at least five straight targets in five straight games after failing to hit that mark in any of his first eight contests. Depending on Odunze's return timeline and his own health, Burden III could emerge as a league-winner over the final weeks of the fantasy season.
Dec 16, 2025 9:41 PM EST
The Chicago Bears listed rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Rome Odunze (foot) was also listed as a DNP. The Bears have one less day to prepare to face the division-rival Green Bay Packers in Week 16, with the game coming on Saturday evening. Chicago's offense would lose a lot of firepower if they are without both Burden and Odunze. The 22-year-old Burden is considered day-to-day, while Odunze is more week-to-week with a stress fracture in his foot that has already kept him out of the last two games. Burden has 10 catches on 13 targets for 151 yards in the last two games with Odunze out, and he'll be firmly in play as a WR4/flex with upside if he plays and Odunze is out this weekend. If both wideouts are sidelined, Chicago would be down to DJ Moore, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Devin Duvernay in three-wide sets.
Dec 16, 2025 6:03 PM EST
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said on Monday that rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III's ankle is a "day-by-day" situation, according to Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune. Biggs goes on to write that it sounds like Burden's availability for Saturday night's divisional clash against the Green Bay Packers "will remain a question until later in the week." Chicago's receiving room could be thin in Week 16 after Burden got hurt in Sunday's win over the visiting Cleveland Browns. Fellow wideout Rome Odunze is dealing with a stress fracture in his foot and is in danger of missing a third straight game this weekend. If both Burden and Odunze are inactive against Green Bay, Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay would start in three-wide sets next to DJ Moore. In two games with Odunze out, Burden has 10 grabs for 151 yards on 13 targets, which makes him flex-worthy in Week 16 if he's active and Odunze misses another contest.
Dec 15, 2025 5:18 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) injured his ankle in Sunday's Week 15 win over the visiting Cleveland Browns, but he still managed to lead the team in catches (six), targets (seven), and receiving yards (84). Burden saw an elevated role in Chicago's offense for the second straight week, with fellow wideout Rome Odunze (foot) being scratched just before kickoff. In two games with Odunze sidelined, the 22-year-old second-rounder has 10 receptions on 13 targets for 151 yards for the Bears. Odunze is dealing with a stress fracture in his foot and could miss more time, which makes Burden a priority waiver-wire addition this week, despite his ankle injury. Burden has 36 catches on the year for 479 yards and one touchdown on 47 targets. If Odunze misses more time and Burden's injury isn't serious, he would be firmly in play as a WR4/flex with upside this weekend in a rematch against the division-rival Packers.
Dec 15, 2025 12:36 PM EST
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the visiting Cleveland Browns, according to the team. The rookie hauled in 6-of-7 targets for 84 yards (all team-highs) before exiting the contest in the second half with an ankle injury. If Burden is unable to rejoin his squad on the field, fellow wideout DJ Moore projects to see a considerable uptick in volume. Teammate Rome Odunze (foot) has already been ruled out after re-aggravating his foot issue, so Moore, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Devin Duvernay remain as the only active WRs without a designation. Expect an update on the University of Missouri product soon.
Dec 14, 2025 4:00 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III led the Bears in receiving in Week 14, hauling in four of six targets for 67 yards in the 28-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers. With second-year receiver Rome Odunze (foot) inactive for last week's divisional showdown, Burden stepped up as a lead receiver ahead of veteran D.J. Moore. The rookie receiver played 71% of the snaps, trailing both Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus, who was trending down before last week. However, if Odunze misses Week 15, Burden could be a starting option in fantasy leagues. He faces a Browns secondary that will be without top cornerback Denzel Ward, who's out with a calf injury. Burden's value depends on whether or not Odunze will play in Week 15, as the rookie could go from a low-end WR3 to a bench option depending on his availability.
Dec 13, 2025 11:12 AM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III led the team in receiving in Week 14, hauling in four of six targets for 67 yards in the 28-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers. With Rome Odunze (foot) inactive last week, Burden handled the duties as the lead receiver for the first time in his NFL career and played well against the strong Packers secondary. Burden has increased in snaps in every game since Week 11, playing a career-high 71% in Week 14. The 2025 second-round pick is making his way up the depth chart in Chicago, and fantasy managers should be fully aware of his emergence. He faces the tough Cleveland Browns defense, which has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Week 15 will be a tough test for Burden, but he's checked every box so far, except for becoming a reliable option for fantasy managers to count on.
Dec 11, 2025 10:11 AM EST
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