While the 42-38 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 was tough enough, the Chicago Bears might have suffered an even bigger loss on the field with rookie receiver Luther Burden III.
Burden got hurt on the final play of the game and was not able to put any weight on his leg to the point that he had to be carted off the field. That sounded like a scary injury, but Burden was talking to reporters after the game, and while there were no updates, it didn't sound like it was that serious.
After a few days of evaluating Burden's lower-leg injury, Bears head coach Ben Johnson gave an update on his progress. Johnson gave the answer that Bears fans were hoping to hear.
"We're hopeful he'll be just fine this week."
Bears feeling good about having Burden for Week 18
Burden was coming off an ankle injury that kept him out of the Week 16 Green Bay Packers game. He was stellar against San Francisco, recording a career day with eight catches for 138 yards and one touchdown in the loss.
On the first injury report for Week 18, Burden did practice as he was limited with a quad injury. That is already a good sign that he was able to practice with the team, especially since they are dealing with Rome Odunze's foot injury and Olamide Zaccheaus' illness.
Burden is one of four players on the Bears who have at least 600 yards receiving, as he has posted 617 for the year and two touchdowns. He's averaging 14 yards per reception, and both of his touchdowns this season have been from 30 or more yards out.
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Chicago faces a big game against the Detroit Lions in Week 18, which will determine whether they get the number two seed in the NFC playoffs or the number three seed, depending on the results of the Philadelphia Eagles-Washington Commanders game. Johnson already said the team is going for the win, so Burden will be an essential piece to the puzzle to make that happen.