Kevin White Injury: Updates on Bears WR's Shin and Return

Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White is dealing with a stress fracture in his lower shin that required surgery. He was placed on the PUP list on Aug. 30, per the team.

Continue for updates.

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Surgery Could Keep White Out for Season

Saturday, Aug. 15

Bears general manager Ryan Pace said White could miss the rest of the season after surgery, according to Adam Hoge of WGN. Pace declined to give a timeline on the wideout's recovery, per Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune. Pace noted the wideout would remain on the PUP list for now, adding, "Our whole focus right now is his long-term health," per Kevin Fishbain of ChicagoFootball.com. 

However, Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported he was told White will be back at some point this season, but the lack of information from the team should certainly give fans doubt. 

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White Takes Part in Practice

Monday, Aug. 10 

On Aug. 10, Chicago Bears Radio Network sideline reporter Zach Zaidman captured some photos of White running at practice:

Hoge observed White's participation and noted White wasn't doing anything at full speed, but "he's not limping at all."

White's progress is important because Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported White "hadn't done any running on hard ground" and had done all his work in a whirlpool on Aug. 6, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com. 

White is preparing for his rookie season in the NFL after Chicago selected him 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 that 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 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 he's recovered from this ailment, White could be just that type of target for Cutler and the Bears. 

Stats courtesy of NFL.com.