The Chicago Bears are entering a Week 18 matchup against the already eliminated Detroit Lions. While the Bears prepare for a home playoff game, the Lions are eliminated.
But, this matchup is still a big one, as a Bears loss and Philadelphia Eagles win would knock the Bears down a seed, and force them to face one of the NFC West powerhouses instead of a struggling Green Bay Packers team.
That's why the injury update on Luther Burden III is so important. According to CHGO Bears on Twitter/x, Ben Johnson revealed the "hopeful" update on Burden for Week 18 against the Lions in a big matchup for Chicago.
Bears' Luther Burden III gets hopeful update from Ben Johnson
"We're hopeful he'll be just fine this week," Johnson said of Burden ahead of Week 18 against the Lions.
Getting Burden healthy for this week would be a huge piece of news for the Bears. He was carted to the locker room at the end of the Bears' game against the San Francisco 49ers.
While it was reported that he would be okay, there was still real concern that Burden would miss some time.
But this update from Johnson leaves the door open for Burden to play in Week 18, and at worst, he should be good to go for the first round of the playoffs.
More: Luther Burden injury update: Latest news on Bears WR after Week 17 game
This season, Burden has 44 receptions for 617 yards and two touchdowns. He's been on a tear lately, which included an eight-catch performance against the 49ers for 138 yards and a touchdown.
With Rome Odunze banged up and DJ Moore dealing with an illness, Burden's play is key for the Bears in the short term. While this weekend's game doesn't impact the Bears' status in the NFC North or the playoffs, it does have a big impact on seeding.
Getting Burden for this Lions matchup will be key, and this update from Johnson is some good news that points towards Burden being an option in Week 18.
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