The Chicago Bears are in training camp without rookie Kevin White healthy and reports have the wideout starting the season on the PUP list for quarterback Jay Cutler and that means players like Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson will have to step up with him out of the lineup.
White has been off the field for offseason workouts while dealing with a shin issue and now it looks like White could be out for the opening of the season. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, White could stay on the physically unable to perform list for the Bears after training camp and there is a "real" chance he ends up on the list to begin the season. The Bears have been anxious to see White in action, but the shin injury has kept him from working out.
If White is on the PUP list to open the season, he will miss the first six games for the Bears on the schedule. White has high expectations this season, as the Bears took him with the seventh overall pick and he could have been a starter option for the team. With the injury and the missed time, Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson have been getting work with Jeffery on offense and that is likely how the wideouts will be on the depth chart to start the season.
White is coming out of West Virginia after having a very productive season and now he could start off his career on the sidelines. As a top 10 pick the Bears likely wanted White to push to be a starter this offseason and while that still could be an option down the line, expect Wilson and Royal to start off as the number two options behind Jeffery. The Bears traded away Brandon Marshall this offseason and now they will need one of the receivers to step up to make up for White if he is not in the lineup.
If White starts the season on the PUP list, he will be out for games against the Lions, Packers, Seahawks as well as the Cardinals, Raiders and Chiefs. White will not be able to return until at least Week 8 of the season if he is on the list, as the Bears have a bye in Week 7 and pick back up with the Vikings next. NFL.com reports that the injury is "shin splints" and that could keep White out of action after he put up 109 catches for 1447 yards 10 touchdowns last season for the Mountaineers.
Jeffery comes in after having another strong season following his breakout in 2013, as he put up 85 catches for 1133 yards and 10 touchdowns and now he could see even more looks without White. Jeffery is taking over as the lead WR and Wilson has the chance to step up after making 17 catches for 140 yards last season.
Check here for more on Kevin White and his status for the season.