Kevin White to Have Surgery, Season in Jeopardy

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Former West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White will undergo surgery on a stress fracture in his shin and he could miss the entire season, Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Pace said.

"Is there a chance he misses the season? That's a possibility," Pace told the Chicago Tribune. "Our whole focus is his long-term health."

It's a devastating blow to White, who was poised to jump right into a starting role, and said just yesterday that he feels healthy enough to play right now.

"If it was up to me, I would be out there. I want to be practicing tomorrow," White said Friday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "But it's not my call. I've got to follow the rules."

White was a Biltenikoff finalist and All-American at West Virginia after catching 109 passes for 1,447 yards last season. The Bears chose him with the No. 7 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

 

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How will Bears replace Kevin White?


To replace White?s production in the passing game, the Bears will turn to two receivers:

Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson.

Royal had the best season of his career (91 catches, 980 yards) playing with Jay Cutler in Denver in 2008. Royal provides quickness and veteran savvy out of the slot. He?s looked good in training camp and will surely serve as Cutler?s security blanket this season.
Wilson benefits most from the White injury, as he?s now entrenched as the club?s No. 3 wideout. The 6-3, 200-pound pass catcher has had two very good training camps in a row and has the size and playmaking ability to be a downfield threat opposite Alshon Jeffery. If Wilson makes the most of this opportunity, Chicago?s passing attack should be able to tread water until White returns.