Bears WR Luther Burden (groin) watching Thursday's joint practice

Chicago's young wide receiver Luther Burden is being handled carefully. Dealing with a groin issue, Burden was on hand but only watching as the Bears went through their joint practice against the Bengals on Thursday.

The observation came as Jahns cataloged which Bears were present but not participating — a group that also included several defensive backs. Burden, who had a successful rookie year with Chicago, is looking to build on that this year, so the team appears to be managing his workload rather than pushing him through the groin irritation during the controlled joint session. His status will be worth tracking ahead of the preseason's final week.