Thomas secured all five targets for 140 yards and a touchdown, ran back one kickoff for 22 yards and returned one punt for 39 yards in the Bears' 24-15 preseason win over the Titans on Saturday.
Making his preseason debut, the lightning-fast rookie third-round pick wasted no time showing off his elite speed, hauling in a Tyson Bagent pass at the Bears' 33-yard line and motoring down the right side of the field for a 97-yard touchdown. Thomas also was impressive on both of his returns, and he comfortably led Chicago in receiving yards on the night. Thomas' upside has been heralded since he was drafted, and Saturday's production offered a glimpse of what the excitement is about. Thomas projects to open the regular season in a potential No. 4 receiver role and as the likely primary returner, and his game-breaking skills could afford him a progressively bigger role as his rookie campaign unfolds.
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Bears' Zavion Thomas: Back in action
Rotowire
Thomas (knee) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Thomas had been dealing with some knee soreness. The wide receiver is back in action after just about a week's absence. Thomas is competing to be a first-team option at wide receiver, with Kalif Raymond and Jahdae Walker as the primary competition. The 22-year-old's prompt return to the field means he can continue to display his special teams and offensive versatility throughout the preseason. The rookie third-rounder's next opportunity to prove himself should come in Saturday's preseason showdown with the Bengals.
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Bears' Zavion Thomas: Avoids major injury
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Thomas is dealing with knee soreness but isn't expected to miss much time, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
Thomas left Sunday's practice early with a knee injury and is day-to-day as he recovers from the issue. The wide receiver has been thrust into a more relevant role for at least the preseason after Luther Burden (groin) left Saturday's practice with a significant injury. The faster Thomas can return to the field, the more time he has to convince the coaching staff he deserves an increase in regular-season reps and targets alongside his kick-return duties.
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Bears' Zavion Thomas: Exits practice early
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Thomas (undisclosed) exited Sunday's practice early after a 7-on-7 collision, Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune reports.
While it has not been disclosed what type of injury Thomas suffered, Adam Hoge of AllCHGO.com reports that the wide receiver briefly grabbed his knee before limping off the field. The rookie third-rounder was set to start the regular season as the primary kick returner for the Bears, so any long-term knee issue wouldn't be great for the team's versatility. If Thomas must miss time, Jahdae Walker could see an increase in usage, continuing the momentum he built near the end of his rookie season.
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Bears' Zavion Thomas: Could handle gadget role
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Thomas could emerge as a valuable gadget player on offense for the Bears during his rookie season, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
Thomas was selected in the third round of April's NFL Draft and comes equipped with 4.28 speed. While he may not have an immediate role as a receiver behind Rome Odunze, Luther Burden and Kalif Raymond, the Bears are expected to get Thomas some easy touches to showcase his wheels and big-play ability. At the very least, Thomas appears lined up to handle returner duties for Chicago.
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Bears' Zavion Thomas: Taken by Chicago
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The Bears selected Thomas in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 89th overall.
Though he primarily operated on the boundary as a starter at LSU, Thomas showed his versatility in motions and backfield action, and he also has the experience on special teams as a returner on kickoffs and punts that should help him contribute immediately to the Bears. Thomas' speed and acceleration means he is a threat to make a game-altering play any time he touches the ball, which makes him an intriguing playmaker in the offensive scheme of head coach Ben Johnson. There's a real chance that Thomas beats out Jahdae Walker and Kalif Raymond to earn the Bears' WR3 job behind Rome Odunze and Luther Burden.
