As many speculated, the Chicago Bears will be without one of their deep threat wide receivers when the 2012 season opens. Johnny Knox was carted off the field after a excruciating hit against the Seattle Seahawks last season, and will begin the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list.
There is a strong chance Knox won't play in 2012, but placing him on the PUP list would leave open a return to the field if Knox's recovery is accelerated. He would have to sit out the first six weeks of the regular season once designated to the PUP list. LINK >>
The Bears roster currently includes five other wide receivers: Brandon Marshall, Earl Bennett, Devin Hester, Eric Weems, Dane Sanzenbacher and Max Komar. It is highly likely that new GM, Phil Emery, looks at wide receivers on the first day of the draft come April.
Knox, a former fifth-round pick, is entering the final year of his rookie deal and has a base salary of $1.26 million in 2012. The one-time Pro Bowl pick was offered a four-year contract worth $4 million per season prior to the injury but did not accept the offer.
Knox's situation should definitely be considered when talking about Matt Forte. No matter what side of the fence you find yourself on.