Bears Blitz

Published by Joe Pantorno on July 29, 2015
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White is dealing with a shin injury that put him on the physically unable to perform list and will keep him out of the beginning of training camp.

Continue for updates.

Fox Comments on White’s Timeline for Return

Monday, Aug. 3

“I’m looking at it day-to-day. I can’t predict,” head coach John Fox said, via Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com. “Sooner rather than later is what I hope, but that’s just a hope.”

Fox continued, speaking about White’s progress as he continues to work toward a return to practice:

I think he’s making headway. Like I said, he was on the shelf for six weeks. It’s a conditioning issue where we want to build up the soft tissue to the point where he can come back out and play football rather than just throwing him out there.

We’re just not doing a lot with him as far as strong, on-grass movement. He does some of the rehab in water. … There are lots of ways to build your cardio system without pounding on a particular body part. We’re in that stage and hopefully it continues to grow.

On July 30, Adam Hoge of WGN weighed in on White’s status, saying he wouldn’t be surprised if White returned to active duty by Family Fest, which is August 8.

Fox previously refused give details on the severity of the wideout’s injury, although he said the injury wasn’t serious, according to Zach Zaidman of the Bears Radio Network.

White is preparing for his rookie season in the NFL after being selected seventh overall in the 2015 draft. 

The 6’3″, 210-pound receiver became one of the nation’s best after a monster 2014 season that saw him catch 109 passes for 1,447 yards, per Sports-Reference.com. His receptions ranked third in the country, while his yardage was good for sixth. 

His speed automatically makes him a threat with a 4.35-second 40-yard dash which allows him to separate from his defender. While the shin does not seem to be a long-term threat, it’s important for it to fully heal so it does not affect his speed or route-running ability. Campbell spoke with Bears general manager Ryan Pace on a possible timetable for White’s return:

The Bears are looking for White to become Brandon Marshall‘s replacement as one of the team’s top receivers along with Alshon Jeffery. Chicago dealt Marshall to the New York Jets during the offseason, and its top priority entering the draft was to find another dangerous target for quarterback Jay Cutler. 

Once his endurance is built up and he acclimates to the professional game, White could be just that type of target for Cutler and the Bears. 

Stats courtesy of NFL.com.

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