The Chicago Bears were going through some major injuries on the defensive side of the ball in Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but that would take an ugly turn to the offense.
Late in the fourth quarter, Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III caught a screen pass from Caleb Williams, when Burden took a massive hit from Buccaneers rookie defender Rueben Bain Jr. and fumbled the ball. Tampa Bay would recover the fumble and they would go on to score.
That moment was not good for Burden, though, as that hit got him injured. He would have to be helped off the field by the medical staff. They would take him in the blue tent to be checked out.
Update 11:07 pm CST: Bears head coach Ben Johnson announced after the game that Burden has a concussion.
Bears losing Luther Burden III in the game hurts their passing game
Williams already was off to a wild start to the game. He threw two touchdowns in the game, but up to that moment with Burden, threw four interceptions as well.
Burden leaving the game completely changed what the offense was going to do. He is a screen pass guy or a short yards receiver who can pick up the YAC yards.
That was already on display for Burden, who had a 56-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He finished with seven receptions for 97 yards and one touchdown.
Williams will have to turn to Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland to be the top pass catchers on the team. Kalif Raymond would also get some more snaps and fill in as the speed guy on the Bears.
What the Bears will have to do if Luther Burden is out long-term?
It will be Odunze as the WR1 on the team for the time being if Burden is gone for a long period of time. Loveland would be the next man up despite being a tight end.
Chicago would give Zavion Thomas more looks, which he did at the beginning of the game. That was until a bad penalty in the red zone cost the Bears points, as Williams threw an interception after that penalty.
Raymond would also be a player to look out for, as he's got the speed to burn defenses and collect yards after the catch. He can play in the slot and on the outside, which would confuse defenses.
Read more: Kyle Monangai may be missing his last Bears game of the season
The Bears are going to have some decisions to make if Burden is out. More information will be needed, as fans will have to wait and see.
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