Bears hope WR Luther Burden III returns in days, not weeks

The Bears hope to measure receiver Luther Burden III’s absence in days, not weeks, as he recovers from a hamstring injury suffered during OTAs.

“I’m hopeful it’s just a few days,” coach Ben Johnson said before training camp practice Thursday. “We’re saying day to day right now. Sometimes those soft tissues, you can’t predict. Everyone’s a little bit different. Some guys take longer than others.”

The Bears, though, have been hopeful before — they were optimistic he’d be ready by the start of camp Wednes-day. After missing time during the offseason program, Burden has a lot of work to do to sync up with quarterback Caleb Williams. The Bears are counting on him, having spent the first of their three second-round picks to draft the former Missouri star.

The training staff has been working with Burden, as has receivers coach Antwaan Randle El. Williams, too.

“Our quarterbacks are taking him to the side whether it’s walkthroughs on their own,” Johnson said. “So he’s utilizing that time as much as he can. But there’s really no substitute for full-speed reps. So the sooner we get him out there, the quicker he can carve a role for himself.”

Defensive tackle Shemar Turner, the third of the Bears’ second-rounders, didn’t practice after hurting his ankle toward the end of practice Wednesday. Cornerback Zah Frazier, the Bears’ fifth-round pick, missed his second straight practice because of what Johnson said were personal reasons.

Long run

Rookie running back Kyle Monangai provided one of the highlights of the Bears’ hour-and-a-half practice by breaking off a long touchdown run during team drills, juking defenders as he got to the goal line.

“Great run, great vision, got through clean, scored,” said running back D’Andre Swift. “I was happy for him. Great play. Way to end it.”

Swift called the seventh-round pick a “great addition” for the Bears.

“He doesn’t really lack anything, from what I’m seeing,” he said. “Confident in his style of play, real low to the ground, great catching the ball out of the backfield. Solid, real solid.”

Notes

Cornerback Jaylon Johnson is rehabbing his leg injury inside Halas Hall, Ben Johnson confirmed, though he hasn’t been spotted by media members.

Nahshon Wright, who played under Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris with the Cowboys from 2021 to ’23, has been solid in his place.

“He already knows the defense, knows the technique and the things Al wants to get accomplished,” Byard said. “He’s already coaching up some of the younger guys on the sidelines.”

• Braxton Jones didn’t do team drills as he ramps back up after having ankle surgery. Kiran Amegadjie practiced with the starters one day after Ozzy Trapilo did the same. All three are fighting for the starting left-tackle spot.

Similarly, Tyson Bagent took second-team snaps at quarterback one day after Case Keenum did.

• Training camp practice will be open to fans with tickets for the first time Friday.