Thomas entered the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the fastest-timed athletes in the class, and Ben Johnson has a unique role in mind for him that will include snaps in the backfield. Similar to what happened with Savion Williams in Green Bay last year, you can expect Thomas to have a very limited role in Year 1. He is not on the Fantasy radar now, but his speed gives him the potential to emerge as a waiver-wire option down the line.
Fantasy News
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
Rotowire
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
Rotowire
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
Rotowire
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
Rotowire
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.
