The Chicago Bears are trying to be patient with Kevin White as their first-round draft pick remains out with injury. While the team continues to downplay the issue with the wide receiver, White is missing valuable time on the field in training camp as he enters his first season in the NFL. With surgery a possibility, is White a potential fantasy bust pick in 2015?
According to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com, the Bears are not certain White sees the field in the preseason. While the wide receiver could potentially return to practice next week, it is unlikely he will see playing time. White has been dealing with a shin injury that appears to be more severe than originally expected. According to Dickerson, the receiver will avoid surgery but a timetable for return is unknown at the moment. White has been limited to pool and elliptical work while having yet to get reps in with Jay Cutler. The Bears related White's injury with Odell Beckham Jr who missed all of New York Giants' training camp, but went on to win Rookie of the Year.
"Mentally, I think Kevin's doing an outstanding job," wide receiver coach Mike Groh said, via ESPN.com. "He's done everything we've asked (him) to and more, certainly made sacrifices in his personal time to get out in front of the playbook and understand everything we're trying to do and everything we're installing. So I'm very proud of him for what he's done off the field. Then we get him on the field, and we're going to see what he can do out here physically."
For now, Cutler is getting in valuable work with the remaining wide receivers. According to the Chicago Tribune, Eddie Royal could turn out to be the star of the team as he excels in training camp alongside Alshon Jeffery. The same is being said with Martellus Bennett who is trying to prove he deserves more money after holding out of preseason work. Both players are looking like they will once again be fantasy stars in 2015 along wtih Marquess Wilson who is a standout in training camp as they are getting the most work in with Cutler.
The one question the Bears' offense must answer is who plays second to Matt Forte. The Bears will once again lean heavily on Forte to help carry the offense, but there are questions regarding who backs him up. According to CSN Chicago, Jacquizz Rodgers is quickly impressing on the field thanks to his versatility. While with the Atlanta Falcons, Rodgers was critical in the rushing and passing game, something he is continuing with the Bears. That could be critical in helping Cutler succeed.
