Zavion Thomas returns to practice

The score and the bulk of the yardage came on one play, a 97-yard connection with Tyson Bagent. Thomas has some of the best speed of any rookie wideout — or any wideout regardless of age — and while he’s dealt with injuries in camp, the ability to grab and go is apparent. He’s not likely to be a significant contributor to begin the year, but he’s someone who has to be monitored in this Chicago passing attack.

According to CHGO Bears’ Adam Hoge, Thomas went down at practice on Sunday, “briefly grabbed his knee and then walked off with a slight limp.” Hopefully, the Bears’ speedy third-round rookie only suffered a minor injury. Bears coaches were likely hoping to get an extended look at Thomas in preseason play after he turned in a strong showing in spring practices. Bears WR Luther Burden (groin) is currently sidelined, leaving the wide receiver corps somewhat thin at the moment.

Thomas turned in a 4.28-second 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine this year. Per Cronin, he has taken “ample reps as a punt returner this spring and showed that he can be more than a special teams star with his skill set on offense.” Bears coach Ben Johnson said Thomas was regularly making plays, but adds that they need to “make sure that we can trust him and he’s going to align where he needs to and run the route the way we need him to.” It sounds like Thomas is still in the developmental phase, but if he can refine his route running and prove himself reliable, he “could be a big weapon” for the Bears this year.

Jahdae Walker could position himself as the No. 3 with a second-year jump, and third-round pick Zavion Thomas is also in the mix. This room will probably split the snaps enough to make them unappealing from a fantasy perspective, but it’s possible someone emerges as a WR4-type.

Thomas ran the third-fastest 40 (4.28 seconds) at the NFL Scouting Combine. He made the Freshman All-American team as a punt returner at Mississippi State in 2022. After transferring to LSU in 2024, he bagged third-team All-SEC honors as a kick returner. Over the course of his college career, he found the end zone as a receiver, rusher, punt returner and kick returner. He posted career highs in receptions (41) and receiving touchdowns (four) last year, while totaling 488 receiving yards. Thomas (5’10/190) profiles as an impactful special teams player with the Bears as a rookie. He may have to wait until 2027 or later to earn much of a role as a wideout.

Thomas is unrated for now, but with a full scholarship from Louisville, he will certainly end up with a star rating soon. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound speedster reportedly runs in the low 4.30s for the 40-yard dash. That figure would be absurd for a soon-to-be pro, let alone someone who has yet to even leave high school. Thomas could eventually become a speed menace for the Louisville offense, similar to Tutu Atwell recently.