ESPNChicago.com reported Wednesday that former Abilene Christian University wide receiver Johnny Knox was still recovering from surgery to repair a severe back injury and might miss the entire 2012 National Football League season if his rehabilitation work required it.
The speedy Knox had surgery to stabilize a fractured vertebra after a collision in the Bears’ 2011 game with the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 18. He has reportedly gained back 10 of the 30 pounds he lost after surgery, and is working out in preparation for his fourth season as a pro.
Knox led the Bears in receiving in 2011 and was second in the league in yards per catch (19.6), and played in the Pro Bowl as a kick returner following the 2009 season. He is one of 10 former Wildcats on NFL rosters or invited to free-agent tryouts this summer.