Speaking Wednesday, Bears coach Ben Johnson confirmed he believed Luther Burden has earned more playing time.

20 November 2025

“You get what you earn,” Johnson said. “And I think he’s earned the increased snaps. He’s steadily climbed.” It seems to be confirmation that Burden’s Week 11 ascension ahead of Olamide Zaccheaus will be a permanent feature. It seems like a long-overdue move, though Burden was always more raw as a prospect than some draftniks would have probably liked to admit. Burden is a big play waiting to happen with the ball in his hands, but it still takes some effort to get it there, while the Bears prefer a balanced approach on offense. Burden is growing more viable as a WR4, but he is still someone who is probably best left on 12-team league benches for the time being.