May 24
WR Johnny Knox looks like a sliver of his former self, but he's doing his best to stay positive.
Last offseason the 6-0 Knox bulked up to a ripped 185 pounds. But he lost at least 30 pounds in the months after last December's injury, and he's gained back only about 10 pounds.
He doesn't appear to be anywhere close to playing football, and he might not be back this season at all.
"It could happen," he admits, "but I'm staying optimistic. My main focus is in that weight room. I'm not in a rush. This is my spine, the core of my body that I'm dealing with, so I'm taking my time on this."
Knox has purposely not watched replays of the collision that bent him backwards and could have left him paralyzed were he not in elite physical condition. Knox is no longer in pain, but he can't do much more than jog or lift light weights.
"Since Day One my mindset has been real positive, no letdowns, no setbacks," he said. "I'm surrounded by a great group of people, a great organization -- friends, family, they're keeping me positive, and I'm staying positive moving forward.
"I want to get back out there at the beginning of the season, but who knows? We'll see how it turns out."
May 23
Knox (back) acknowledged that he may not play in 2012, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Recommendation: It sounds like Knox will play at safe, as he probably should with a spinal injury. The Bears traded for Brandon Marshall and drafted Alshon Jeffery in the offseason, but Knox almost certainly will have a significant role in the offense if he returns at full strength. He was easily Chicago's most effective receiver last year, averaging an impressive 10.5 yards per target. That said, it sounds like there is a solid chance Knox won't play in 2012. Unless something changes between now and when you draft, Knox is not somebody to target, even in the late rounds of deeper leagues.
