Kevin White Injury Update: WR Will Undergo Surgery for Stress Fracture in Shin
Published by Mike Chiari on August 15, 2015
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Kevin White‘s lack of participation in training camp has been shrouded in mystery thus far, but general manager Ryan Pace shed light on the 23-year-old wideout’s health Saturday.
According to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times, Pace said the former West Virginia Mountaineers standout is dealing with a stress fracture in his shin that will require surgery.
White will subsequently miss at least the first six games of the regular season while recovering on the physically unable to perform list, according to the Bears’ official Twitter account.
Although Pace did not provide a timetable for his return, per Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune, it may be a long-term issue. Adam Hoge of WGN Radio reported that Pace did not rule out the possibility of the first-year pass-catcher missing the entire 2015 campaign.
Despite the worry of losing the rookie for the year, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report noted White is expected to be back this season, before adding that “given the evasive info from the team in camp, doubt is acceptable.”
Pace also commented on White and his status on the PUP list, according to Kevin Fishbain of ChicagoFootball.com:
While White was seemingly on the verge of working his way off the PUP list recently, Pace confirmed the talented receiver suffered a setback, per Campbell.
This announcement comes just one day after White expressed his readiness and willingness to get back on the field, according to Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times:
If it was up to me, I would be out there. I want to be practicing tomorrow. But it’s not my call. I’ve got to follow the rules. I feel I can play. But you’ve got to look at the coaches, trainers and if they say, ‘Kevin, give it another week,’ that’s what I have to do. Hopefully we’ll get some good news and hopefully I’ll be back out there very soon.
After the diagnosis on his shin, White spoke about the news, saying the hardest part was telling Pace of the pain and that it was like “throwing in the towel,” per Jahns.
Unfortunately for White, the Bears and their fans, the wait to see him in game action will continue for at least a couple of months.
Losing a player of White’s caliber is never a good thing, but it’s especially worrisome now since No. 1 receiver Alshon Jeffery is dealing with a calf strain, per ESPN.com’s Jeff Dickerson.
Assuming Jeffery is healthy and ready to go by the start of the regular season, he will be quarterback Jay Cutler‘s unquestioned top target, with tight end Martellus Bennett and running back Matt Forte providing support.
In terms of wide receivers, the depth is disconcerting. Eddie Royal could be a solid slot receiver, but when it comes to outside threats, an unheralded option such as Marquess Wilson may have to fill the void.
Chicago took a leap of faith during the offseason by trading Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets and drafting White at No. 7 overall. It may pay off over the long haul, but early returns have been disastrous.
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