Luther Burden III has emerged as a dynamic player for the Chicago Bears during his rookie season, which is why many were more concerned with his health at the end of the game than the resulting loss.
Earlier this morning, Adam Schefter spread good cheer indicating that Burden “suffered a quad injury that is not thought to be serious.”
Burden was dynamite in the Bears’ 42-38 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, racking up 138 yards and 1 TD on 8 receptions, bringing his season long total to 44 catches for 617 yards and 2 TDs. Even the oft-persnickety Cris Collinsworth gave Burden love by citing that he is among the five best WRs in the league in yards per route run at a jaw dropping 3.18. The only receivers with higher numbers are Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Ben Johnson will have a decision to make in Week 18 as the Bears play host to the Detroit Lions on whether to rest Burden or not. While there are still reasons to play your starters (playoff seeding, dignity) it may be advisable to rest Burden for the playoff run.
