The Chicago Bears did not get the return on investment they were hoping for when the team opted to draft Kevin White in the first round out of West Virginia. After trading Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets, the Bears were planning on having the rookie replace the veteran. However, a shin injury prevented that from happening. As White continues to heal and progress, will he be back on the field or shut down for the season?
According to the Chicago Tribune, the Bears must decide by next Tuesday if White is going to return to the team or be done for the season. Currently on the physically unable to perform list, the Bears have a small window before they must decide if he can start practicing and then if he can be upgraded to the 53-man roster. According to head coach John Fox, he was uncertain if White was healthy enough to get on the field after he had surgery in August. The head coach told the media that he was not optimistic, but also not pessimistic at the chance White returns this year while the receiver admitted the same thing.
"I am not sure," White said, via the Tribune. "I don't know. When I know, that is when you guys will know. It's day by day. I guess we'll see. I always smile. We'll see what happens. I keep working every day and pray for the best."
The Tribune reports the chances are very slim White is seen this season despite just how badly the team needs him right now. Alshon Jeffery is playing through injuries. Matt Forte is hurt. Eddie Royal is hurt. According to ESPN.com, it is not likely that either Royal or Forte are back for Week 11 play which means players like Zach Miller, Jeremy Langford and Marquess Wilson will need to step up and help.
Cutler has been making things work as much as he can with the lack of help. The quarterback is quietly having one of his better seasons under offensive coordinator Adam Gase. He has not been the interception machine he once was while he continues to make something out of nothing with the group of receivers he is working with. The Bears are still in the hunt in the division. If they can keep the momentum going they stand a chance at the postseason.
"Jay has been great since I've gotten here,'' Fox said, via ESPN.com. "He's been all in. He's a smart guy (and) it's important to him. From learning the playbook, to mastering the offense, to now communicating that ... He's been a pleasure and I have great respect for how he goes about it."
