Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox suffered a broken vertebrae during the team's week 15 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, and after a successful surgery in December he has been working towards a return to the field in 2012. Knox's agent, Mark Lillibridge, spoke with Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times on Friday, revealing that the wide receivers rehab is progressing well and that his client plans on a returned by early to mid July:
"His rehab has been going great," agent Marc Lillibridge told the Sun-Times. "He's on the schedule that he planned to be back by early to mid July. He feels good. The team has been phenomenal with Johnny's rehab. He couldn't ask for a better staff."
Knox led the Bears with 727 receiving yards, a 19.6 yards per reception average, 12 plays of 20 or more yards, and 51.9 yards receiving per game. He hasn't always been the most consistent option on the outside for Jay Cutler, but no one can deny the explosiveness that Knox brings to the table on each and every play. If he can make a full recovery, the fifth-round pick from Abilene Christian figures to be a big part of the Bears' offense once again this season. Even so, new GM Phil Emery may still look into adding a taller option to provide some diversity for Cutler and the passing game.
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