Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III has shown a high ceiling in his first five games in the NFL, and it looks like he could have more work coming his way in the coming weeks. After a bye week in Week 5, he led all Bears' wide receivers with 51 receiving yards on his four catches on four targets in Monday night's win over the Commanders. Burden had 101 yards and a touchdown in Week 3 against the Cowboys, but then had a down game in Week 4 with two catches for a total of -2 yards. Olamide Zaccheaus actually led the team with six targets, while D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze each had one more than Burden. However, with Moore's status uncertain after spending the night in the hospital, Burden could step into a more involved role in Week 7 against the Saints. The rookie brings a high ceiling if he's on the waiver wire and is worth a speculative pickup in standard-sized leagues since the Bears are past their bye and have favorable matchups against the Saints, Ravens, Bengals, and Giants in the next four weeks.
Oct 14, 2025 11:01 AM EST
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III has had limited opportunity so far through four games, but has made the most of them. He's caught seven of eight targets for 99 yards and a touchdown on the year, with most of that coming in Week 3 against Dallas when he caught all three targets for 101 yards and a touchdown. He strangely has negative receiving yardage in two of the other three games, but has looked explosive in his time on the field. His snap share hasn't risen to a very interesting level quite yet, sitting at 25.2% for the season. His snap share unfortunately didn't tick up in Week 4 after his breakout Week 3 game, but patience is to be encouraged with Burden. There are still plenty of mouths to feed in Chicago, but Burden is talented enough to emerge as a factor in Ben Johnson's offense. He's a great stash candidate until things change.
Oct 1, 2025 12:42 AM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III flashed big-play ability in Week 3's blowout win over the Cowboys, catching all three of his targets for 101 yards and a touchdown. He also logged a season-high 31% snap share, showing growth in his role. Despite the breakout performance, Burden's overall usage still limits his fantasy relevance. Through three games, he has played just 25% of the snaps, well behind Rome Odunze (95%), D.J. Moore (88%), and Olamide Zaccheaus (48%). Burden gets another favorable matchup in Week 4 against a Raiders secondary that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. However, until his role becomes more consistent, Burden remains unstartable in fantasy this week.
Sep 27, 2025 12:12 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III had a breakout game in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys. Burden III hauled in all three of his targets for 101 yards and a score in his team's first win of the 2025 season. Burden III had recorded just two catches for two yards through Chicago's first two games of the season, so this could be the breakout game that propels him into a more consistent role in the Bears' offense. The 21-year-old has plenty of target competition around him in Chicago, so it will be tough for fantasy managers to trust him until he proves this is more than a one-week blip. Still, the talented rookie is a player to monitor heading into Week 4.
Sep 21, 2025 9:34 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III has had a quiet start to his NFL career, totaling just two catches for two yards through his first two games. With a limited offensive role, head coach Ben Johnson noted the team needs to design a package of plays specifically for the rookie. The second-round pick has played only 22% of snaps so far this season, as Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, and Olamide Zaccheaus dominate the starting roles. A potential opportunity arises this week with the Dallas Cowboys in town, a defense that has struggled mightily in 2025, allowing the most points, yards, and receiving yards in the league so far. While Burden isn't yet fantasy relevant, producing efficiently with his limited workload could help him grow his fantasy value moving forward.
Sep 20, 2025 12:37 PM EST
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said the team wants to get more packages on offense for rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III, according to Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune. "Going into this week, we're going to have a lot more competition," Johnson said when asked about Burden and rookie first-round tight end Colston Loveland. Johnson wasn't pleased with the offense's performance, particularly some of the veterans, in the 52-21 blowout loss to the Lions in Week 2, which could lead to more opportunities for both Burden and Loveland in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys. Burden had just one catch for five yards on two targets on Sunday, while Loveland didn't catch his only target. The 21-year-old Burden has been the clear WR4 through two weeks and has drawn just three targets in two games. Until further notice, he belongs on the waiver wire in most redraft leagues.
Sep 15, 2025 5:04 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III opened his NFL career quietly, finishing with one catch for -3 yards in the Bears' 27-24 loss to the Vikings. As expected, Burden wasn't a starter in Week 1 under head coach Ben Johnson, instead rotating in behind Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, and Olamide Zaccheaus. He logged a 27% snap share and a 22% route participation rate, both fourth among Chicago's wideouts. The matchup in Week 2 is favorable, as the Bears face a Lions defense that allowed the most receiving yards to wide receivers in 2024, but Burden remains firmly off the fantasy radar. Until he can leapfrog Zaccheaus and carve out a larger role, he's more of a developmental stash than a lineup option.
Sep 12, 2025 11:20 PM EST
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III makes his NFL debut on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. Drafted in the second round of 2025, Burden brings plenty of long-term excitement, but his early-season fantasy outlook is limited. Chicago's pass-catching group is crowded, featuring Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, veteran Olamide Zaccheaus, and two capable tight ends in Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland. For now, Burden slots in as the WR4 in Ben Johnson's offense, which leaves little room for consistent targets out of the gate. While his talent makes him a name to monitor for the future, Burden carries minimal fantasy value in Week 1 and should remain on fantasy teams' benches.
Sep 6, 2025 2:48 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III is making an early mark with his run blocking. The former Missouri standout has shown a knack for driving defenders into the second level and clearing lanes for the ground game. While Burden still has work to do as a route runner and must sharpen his concentration in contested situations, his physicality and willingness to block stand out. Chicago coaches value receivers who contribute beyond catching passes, and Burden's effort could earn him more opportunities. With his athletic upside, the rookie has the tools to eventually become a reliable playmaker.
Aug 28, 2025 10:37 PM EST
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III hauled in all three targets, gaining 49 yards in Sunday's 38-0 preseason win over the Buffalo Bills. The rookie wide receiver caught his three passes from backup quarterback Tyson Bagent and took most of his snaps with the second-team offense. The second-round pick has performed well this preseason as both a receiver and a blocker, but has yet to garner significant playing time with the first-team offense. However, keeping Burden off the field might be difficult if he keeps stacking stellar performances like his one on Sunday. The next time we can see Burden in action is next Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Aug 17, 2025 11:42 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III was working with the second-team offense during 11-on-11 drills in Friday's training camp practice, according to Greg Braggs Jr. of CHGO Sports. Burden has flashed his potential this summer, but he also got off to a late start to camp with a nagging injury. The 21-year-old second-rounder caught two of his three targets for 29 yards in the team's preseason opener last week against the Miami Dolphins as he looks to earn a key role in Chicago's passing attack in his first year in the NFL. Burden is primarily competing with Olamide Zaccheaus for the WR3 job behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, but the problem is that Zaccheaus has reportedly had a very strong camp and appears to be holding off the rookie for now. There's plenty of playmaking ability here, but Burden is currently more attractive in dynasty/keeper leagues.
Aug 15, 2025 2:13 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III started his NFL career by catching two of three passes for 29 yards in Sunday's 24-24 tie against the Dolphins. Burden caught two passes for significant gains: a 16-yard reception on 3rd and 15, and a 13-yard gain that put kicker Cairo Santos in field-goal range. In crucial moments, quarterback Tyson Bagent looked to the rookie, and he delivered. Burden is currently behind D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Devin Duvernay on the Bears' unofficial depth chart, but he showed promise in his first game action. Expect more from Burden in the next preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
Aug 10, 2025 5:10 PM EST
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III hauled in two catches on three targets for 29 yards in his first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. A second-round pick out of Missouri, Burden III recorded 192 receptions, 2,263 receiving yards, and 25 total touchdowns in 38 career college games. He's expected to play a significant role in Chicago as a rookie and could step in for the departed Keenan Allen as the team's primary slot receiver. Burden III profiles as a depth wide receiver option with upside in re-draft fantasy leagues.
Aug 10, 2025 4:43 PM EST
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports that Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III is expected to play in the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, and he "should figure into the rotation significantly." However, Biggs is unsure if he'd put Burden in the starter category just yet. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland will also suit up on Sunday, although quarterback Caleb Williams, running back D'Andre Swift and receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze aren't starting. The 21-year-old Burden missed important development time during spring practices and the start of training camp with a soft-tissue injury, so the Bears would like to get him extra work in the preseason opener as their WR1. The second-rounder is primarily battling with Olamide Zaccheaus in his rookie season for the WR3 role in new head coach Ben Johnson's offense.
Aug 10, 2025 1:31 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III "looks outstanding," according to Adam Hoge of CHGO. Burden III was kicked out of practice by Bears head coach Ben Johnson on Tuesday after making a pre-snap alignment mistake, but it appears as though he's rebounded nicely from the mental error. Drafted in the second round out of Missouri, Burden III recorded 61 catches for 676 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games for the Tigers last season. He's expected to take over for the departed Keenan Allen as the Bears' primary slot receiver this season, so he must get up to speed quickly in training camp. Burden III will have plenty of competition for targets in Chicago. Wide receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze figure to be ahead of him in the pecking order, and tight ends Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland might be as well.
Jul 31, 2025 11:53 AM EST
Chicago Bears rookie second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III (hamstring) made his return to team drills in training camp practice on Tuesday and was then promptly kicked out of drills by head coach Ben Johnson after a pre-snap alignment/motion issue, according to Adam Hoge of CHGO Sports. "It shows up already. I mean, we were in the walk-through yesterday afternoon and the misalignments - we have to re-huddle, we have to start it all over again. He's a little bit behind right now," Johnson said about the time that Burden has missed in camp. The 21-year-old missed OTAs, minicamp and the start of training camp, so the rookie is definitely behind, and it's showing. There's time for him to get it straightened out before the regular season, but he's off to a bad start as he competes with Olamide Zaccheaus for the WR3 role behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.
Jul 29, 2025 1:55 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (hamstring) is on the field for training camp practice on Monday after he missed the first four practices with a lingering hamstring injury, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Burden tweaked his hamstring during minicamp in June, and although the injury wasn't very serious, the Bears played it safe with the second-round wideout and held him out last week at the start of training camp. Chicago will ease the 21-year-old in with the backups at first, but eventually he'll be competing with Olamide Zaccheaus for WR3 duties in 2025 behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. The 6-foot, 206-pounder has been compared to Moore and could eventually had a key role in Chicago's passing attack under new head coach Ben Johnson, but for 2025, Burden will be more of a dynasty/keeper asset.
Jul 28, 2025 12:19 PM EST
Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (undisclosed) remains out of training camp practice on Saturday, but head coach Ben Johnson said he's hopeful that Burden will be back soon. The 21-year-old second-rounder suffered an undisclosed soft-tissue injury during the offseason program during the spring and isn't quite ready to join the rest of the team on the field at camp. However, Burden avoided the Physically Unable to Perform list and should be back sooner than later as he competes for the No. 3 receiver role in his first NFL season behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. The 39th overall pick has plenty of playmaking abilities but will most likely struggle for consistent targets in Year 1 as long a Moore and Odunze stay healthy. Olamide Zaccheaus figures to be Burden's primary competition.
Jul 26, 2025 11:31 AM EST
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is calling rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (undisclosed) day-to-day at training camp. "The soft-tissue thing (from the spring) lingered. I'm hopeful it's just a few days," Johnson said. Although the 21-year-old second-rounder isn't ready for the start of training camp, he should be ready to go soon and be a full-go for the start of his first NFL season this fall. When he gets onto the field, Burden will mainly be competing with Olamide Zaccheaus for the WR3 role in Chicago's offense behind DJ Moore and second-year man Rome Odunze. There's definitely opportunity, but Burden has already missed a lot of development time this offseason and could struggle to make an impact or carve out a meaningful role early on. There's certainly intrigue with Burden in Johnson's offense given his after-the-catch prowess, but he'll go undrafted in standard 12-team fantasy leagues.
Jul 24, 2025 1:11 PM EST
ESPN's Courtney Cronin writes that Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (undisclosed) was not present at training camp practice on Wednesday and still appears to be dealing with injuries from the spring -- he landed on a ball awkwardly in minicamp and suffered a soft-tissue injury during OTAs. It's frustrating for Burden that he's already missed so much practice time heading into his first NFL season, but the good news is he avoided landing on the Physically Unable to Perform list during training camp, so it's likely just a matter of time before the 21-year-old pass-catcher is able to get back on the field. When he is ready to return to practice, the 39th overall pick in April's NFL draft will be competing mainly with Olamide Zaccheaus for the No. 3 receiver role behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Barring an injury to Moore or Odunze, Burden is probably going to struggle for consistent targets in 2025.
Jul 23, 2025 1:05 PM EST
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