Report: Knox May Miss Entire 2012 Season
By: ESPN.com news services
Updated: May 23, 2012
LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears wideout Johnny Knox plans to eventually make a full recovery from a fractured vertebra he suffered on December 18 versus the Seattle Seahawks that required surgery, but the fourth-year receiver could not rule out the possibility of being forced to miss a large portion -- if not the entire 2012 season -- as he continues to rehab daily at the team's practice facility.
Knox addressed reporters on Wednesday following the Bears' second OTA of the offseason at Halas Hall.
"It could happen, but I'm staying optimistic," Knox said. "My main focus is in that weight room. That's all I'm focusing on. I'm not in a rush (to return), this is my spine, the core of my body that I'm dealing with. This is not my knee or my ankle or my shoulder...I'm taking my time on this."
The horrific injury to Knox occurred against Seattle when he fumbled after making a 17-yard catch on a slant route. As Knox was scrambling on the ground to recover the loose ball he was hit by ex-Seahawks defender Anthony Hargrove and essentially bent backwards. Knox was carted off the field and underwent surgery the next day to stabilize vertebra in his spinal column.
Five months later, Knox has still not watched a replay of the hit.
"No, I actually haven't, I probably don't want to see it until I retire," Knox said.
The injury was so serious that following surgery Knox, listed by the Bears at 6-0, 185 pounds, had to wear a brace for 2 1/2 months, which caused him to drop 30 pounds. Knox said he has since gained back 10 of those pounds.
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Knox addressed reporters on Wednesday following the Bears' second OTA of the offseason at Halas Hall.
"It could happen, but I'm staying optimistic," Knox said. "My main focus is in that weight room. That's all I'm focusing on. I'm not in a rush (to return), this is my spine, the core of my body that I'm dealing with. This is not my knee or my ankle or my shoulder...I'm taking my time on this."
The horrific injury to Knox occurred against Seattle when he fumbled after making a 17-yard catch on a slant route. As Knox was scrambling on the ground to recover the loose ball he was hit by ex-Seahawks defender Anthony Hargrove and essentially bent backwards. Knox was carted off the field and underwent surgery the next day to stabilize vertebra in his spinal column.
Five months later, Knox has still not watched a replay of the hit.
"No, I actually haven't, I probably don't want to see it until I retire," Knox said.
The injury was so serious that following surgery Knox, listed by the Bears at 6-0, 185 pounds, had to wear a brace for 2 1/2 months, which caused him to drop 30 pounds. Knox said he has since gained back 10 of those pounds.
Click here to read entire article on ESPN.com.
