Bears Shut Down Kevin White For 2015 Season
By Chris Emma--
(CBS) Pain followed Bears receiver Kevin White throughout his entire rookie season, both physical and mental.
The team's first-round pick in the 2015 draft at seventh overall, White wanted nothing more than to be healthy, on the field with his teammates. He was striving to make it happen, from his surgery in August to repair a stress fracture in his left leg through a grueling rehab that took him so close to game-ready health. White answered the tough questions and continued his work while masking the frustration he felt deep down.
"It's difficult, but it's part of the game," White said of his ordeal. "You go through trials and tribulations. Just got to hurdle over it."
The anguish of 2015 is is now winding down for White, with the Bears announcing Tuesday, on the final day of their three-week practice window, that he will remain on the physically-unable-to-perform list for the remainder of the season, making him ineligible to play in the final three games. White will miss his entire first season, and his practice window has closed.
White can now only do rehab work under the supervision of a trainer, per NFL rules.
A West Virginia product, White suffered his stress fracture prior to training camp and was promptly shut down when what the Bears hoped to be shin splints turned out to be much worse. He had surgery in August and slim hopes to play in 2015 but continued to work back as if he could play. As of last week, there was hope that he could potentially play against Washington this past Sunday.
"I got confidence, but I got to be smart," White said last week. "Whatever they want me to do, that's what I'll do."
Ultimately, it was the Bears' decision on White. While his leg is fully healed, coach John Fox said, the receiver isn't near game shape. Only last week did he begin to work in 11-on-11 drills, with the first two weeks of his practice involving light work to gain comfort in his body.
Prior to the Bears' game against the 49ers on Dec. 6, White was on display in the south end zone of Soldier Field running routes, making sharp cuts and catching passes. It was a refreshing sign for the public, but the only one fans will receive this season.
Through the recovery, the Bears learned plenty about White too, even with him not playing a game.
"Being in the building with him for some time now, watching him go about his business, even though it's not been on the football field the whole time, we've been very impressed with him," Fox said. "I think he's the kind of guy we want in our organization."
White's debut will now be postponed until 2016 after the Bears made it official that he's been shut down for the season.
Bears make minor roster moves
The Bears made a handful of other minor roster moves Tuesday.
Chicago elevated linebacker John Timu from the practice squad to the active roster and waived defensive lineman Ziggy Hood. The Bears also signed defensive lineman Toby Johnson and receiver/tight end Marcus Lucas to the practice squad.
Johnson entered the NFL in 2014 as an undrafted free agent, spending the entire season on the Panthers' practice squad. Lucas has spent time with the Dolphins previously.
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.