Report: Chicago Bears will not play Kevin White this season

Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Chicago Bears have decided to shut rookie wide receiver Kevin White down this season. Technically the Bears have until Tuesday to decide White's fate, but they may figure the risk is to great to activate him off the PUP list.

This report contradicts an earlier report that claimed the Bears were contemplating playing White this Sunday against the Washington Redskins.

It also puts a damper on the excitement that has been building while White has been getting rave reviews from his coaches and teammates these last two weeks.

The thing to keep in mind is that even though his shin may be completely healed, we don't know how much running and weight training he's been able to do these last few months. He obviously isn't in football shape, but his leg strength may be so poor after so much inactivity that the Bears don't want to risk White in a game. Plus even though he's no doubt had his nose in his playbook for months now, he's only had 2 weeks of actual practice reps since this summer. The comfort level may not be there with running the plays.

From the Tribune,

The young receiver acknowledges he has been able to improve his route running and gain a better understanding of his reads in the offense over the last 2 1/2 weeks.

"Being an athlete, being a competitor, I want to get out there," White said. "I think that's natural."

This is a very disappointing development, but Chicago's medical staff would know the best course of action for White.

As soon as the Bears make an official announcement, we'll pass it along.

In other Bears wide out news, it was reported earlier today that practice squad receiver Jalen Saunders has been suspended 10 games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. This probably explains why the Bears were working out receivers on Tuesday.