When Johnny Knox suffered a gruesome spinal injury late last season, it was fair to wonder if he’d ever play again. While he hasn’t ruled out playing again, Knox did acknowledge today that he could miss part of all of next season. Knox, the Bears’ leading receiver with 37 catches for 727 yards and 2 touchdowns in 14 games last year, has lost 30 pounds since the injury and looked noticeably frail jogging as part of his rehab.

Given that he is acknowledging he could miss a significant portion if not the entirety of next season already in May, I’d say it’s very doubtful that he plays in 2012. The Bears probably agree as they brought in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery this offseason. They seem content going into 2012 with Marshall, Jeffery, Earl Bennett, and Devin Hester as their top 4 receivers. They’re also prepared for the possibility that Knox never plays again, a strong possibility given the recent spotlight on neck, spine, and head injuries and their post-career effect.

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