Chicago Bears sign 1,500 yard receiver amid Luther Burden injury

The Chicago Bears’ injuries in the secondary were the talk of the team to start training camp, but the receiver position has been hit hard in recent days, leading the team to sign a former Buffalo Bills draft pick on Monday.

Luther Burden III is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason with a groin injury, though the Bears are hopeful that the 2025 second-round pick will be available for Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. Zavion Thomas suffered a knee injury this weekend, but Chicago is hopeful he can return to practice soon.

Amid injuries at receiver, the Bears signed veteran receiver Ray-Ray McCloud and released Kyron Hudson, also dealing with an injury.

“The Bears have signed WR Ray-Ray McCloud III and waived WR Kyron Hudson with an Injury designation,” the Bears PR team posted on X.

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Chicago Bears sign Ray-Ray McCloud

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The Bills drafted McCloud in the sixth round of the 2018 draft out of Clemson. He was a part of the Tigers’ national championship in 2016. He’s recorded 159 receptions for 1,523 yards and two touchdowns during his first eight years in the league.

McCloud’s best receiving year came in 2024, when he recorded 62 receptions for 686 yards and one touchdown for the Atlanta Falcons. He made seven receptions for 69 yards in stints with the Falcons and New York Giants in 2025.

In addition to receiver, McCloud, 29, has been a solid returner in the league. He had his best year as a returner for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021, recording 1,143 return yards but fumbling the ball four times.

McCloud’s best average as a returner came in 2024 with the Falcons, when he averaged 25.8 yards per return but lost two of his four fumbles. He’s earned 4,125 return yards, but has lost six of his 18 fumbles in his career.

It’s a low-risk signing for the Bears, and will give the team a player with experience if Burden is unable to return by Week 1.

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