The Chicago Bears were less than three yards away from defeating the San Francisco 49ers on “Sunday Night Football” but lost the game, and potentially more than that, on the last play of the night.
Quarterback Caleb Williams took the snap, avoided pressure and rolled out into the left flat to create more time for the play to develop across the end zone. He ultimately short-armed a throw to wide receiver Luther Burden III while under pressure, which fell incomplete.
Burden went to the ground in an attempt to make the catch, where he remained well after officials blew the final whistle. ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reported via social media that Burden appeared to have suffered a potentially major injury on the last play of the game.
“Luther Burden tried to walk off but fell back down to the ground momentarily,” Cronin wrote. “He’s up now with trainers walking gingerly.”
“Burden is now getting carted off the field,” Cronin added in a second post.
First-hand accounts indicated that Burden may have been clutching at his left hamstring before going down again and requiring assistance from the cart to exit the field. The team, however, has yet to confirm either the nature or severity of the rookie wideout’s injury.
Bears Expect to Have Rome Odunze Back for First Round of NFC Playoffs
GettyChicago Bears quarterback Rome Odunze.
Bears wideout Rome Odunze did not play for the fourth consecutive game due to a stress fracture in his foot. Chicago’s plan is likely to bring Odunze back for the opening round of the NFC playoffs, a move that may be even more crucial depending on the severity of Burden’s injury.
With the loss Sunday, the Bears can no longer claim the top seed in the conference, which means a bye through Super Wildcard Weekend is off the table. However, Chicago will be either the No. 2 or 3 seed in the NFC, which means at least one home game in the postseason.
The Bears can clinch the second seed with a win over the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on Sunday, January 4. They will also earn the No. 2 seed, regardless of outcome, if the Philadelphia Eagles lose to the Washington Commanders at home in Week 18.
Chicago holds the tiebreak over the Eagles after defeating them in Philadelphia in late November by a score of 24-15.
Ben Johnson Noted Luther Burden’s Massive Contributions, Didn’t Offer Update on WR’s Injury Status
Head coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears. (Getty Images)
Bears head coach Ben Johnson spoke to Burden’s performance in San Francisco Sunday night and also addressed the wideout’s injury during the postgame press conference.
“Some good performances there, notably by our rookies,” Johnson said. “Luther had a huge game for us.”
Burden finished the night with eight receptions for 138 yards, which translates to 17.3 yards per catch. All three of those statistics led the Chicago offense on the night. He also hauled in a touchdown in what was easily the best game of his NFL career to this point.
“I don’t have an update on that yet,” Johnson added with regards to Burden’s health status. “I just heard that.”
Given that head coaches typically offer postgame injury updates, it is unlikely that team will issue an official update on Burden’s status before Monday morning. However, it’s probable he will undergo an MRI within the next 24 hours, which should provide some clarity on how much time, if any, Burden is going to miss with just two weeks remaining before the playoffs begin.
Bears Rookie Carted Off After Final Play in Brutal 49ers Loss