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NFL | Johnny Knox calling it quits Wed Feb 13, 07:25 PM
Former Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (spine) said he is done playing football as he still suffers from the effects of a devastating spinal injury 13 1/2 months ago. 'As an athlete, you don't want to give up, you want to keep on fighting. That's how I've always been,' Knox says. 'But it's been on my heart for a while. I know how my body feels, and I know I'm not going to be the same and perform at the ability that I used to.'
| Footballguys view: We hate seeing Knox have to retire when so many good years were ahead of him before the hit from Anthony Hargrove that ended his career. |
Johnny Knox player page
NFL | Johnny Knox's career could be over Wed Feb 13, 10:53 AM
Free-agent WR Johnny Knox (Bears) is unlikely to play again due to the effects of a spinal injury from 2011, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the receiver's status.
Link to storyJohnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox released Tue Feb 12, 11:24 AM
The Chicago Bears terminated WR Johnny Knox's (back) contract.
| Footballguys view: Knox suffered a horrific back injury in late 2011 and has been trying to come back ever since. Now that he's released Knox will be able to sign with any team he wants if he can prove that he's healthy. Spinal fusion surgery is difficult to come back from and this could be it for the speedster from Abilene Christian. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox not expected to play in 2012 Wed Oct 31, 03:16 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) has gained some of the weight he lost after his back surgery but is still unlikely to play this season.
| Footballguys view: No surprise here. The back injury he sustained last year was one of the more gruesome injuries in the league. It sounds like Knox is making progress and has hopes of playing in the NFL once again. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox uncertain when he'll return Fri Oct 5, 09:32 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) said Friday, Oct. 5, that he is uncertain if the team plans to activate him from the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) list before the end of the regular season. 'I haven't heard,' Knox said. 'The last thing I heard was that I was going on PUP back in training camp. That's the last thing I heard.' Knox is attempting to return from a spine injury that occurred last Dec. 18.
Link to storyJohnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox to start season on PUP list Sun Aug 26, 01:45 PM
The Chicago Bears have announced WR Johnny Knox (back) will begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Knox will miss at least the first six weeks of the season and could miss the entire season.
| Footballguys view: Surprisingly, the Bears are leaving open the possibility of Knox returning during the season. The severity of his back injury meant it wasn't a sure thing he'd ever play again. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox placed on PUP list Wed Jul 25, 05:24 PM
The Chicago Bears have placed WR Johnny Knox (back) on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
| Footballguys view: No surprise here. Knox is essentially a lock to begin the regular season on the PUP list too. We'd be surprised if we see him at all during the 2012 season. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox making progress Wed Jul 25, 03:39 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) said he is making steady progress in his recovery from a serious back injury but is not sure when he will be cleared to practice. 'There's really no timetable,' Knox said. 'We're all taking our time on this. They're not rushing me. I'm not rushing myself. This was a serious injury, so we're all taking our time on this.' Knox has been able to do some light jogging.
| Footballguys view: Knox suffered a horrific looking back injury late last season and we'd be surprised if he plays at all in 2012. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox not ruled out yet Fri Jul 13, 02:45 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) has not been ruled out for the 2012 season but is not expected to play because he is still recovering from the serious back injury he suffered last season.
| Footballguys view: Knox suffered a horrific looking back injury in a late season game against the Seahawks. We would be surprised if he takes the field in 2012. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox taking it day by day Sat Jun 23, 01:44 AM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) said there is still no timetable for a return to the football field as he makes his way back from back surgery. He had a procedure to stabilize a vertebra in his back.
| Footballguys view: Knox suffered one of the most horrific looking injuries last year when he essentially bent backwards in a late season game against the Seahawks. He may not be able to come back to the football field until 2013. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox working on elliptical machine Thu May 31, 01:46 AM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) has been working on an elliptical machine, as he slowly works his way back from spinal fusion surgery. Knox knows there is a chance he could miss the entire 2012 season.
| Footballguys view: Slowly is the operative word here. We wouldn't expect anything from Knox this year. His absence could open up a spot for Dane Sanzenbacher or Devin Thomas. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox unsure about availability for 2012 Wed May 23, 02:22 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) said he is working hard in his rehab from back surgery but is not sure if he will be able to play this season. Knox said he lost 30 pounds after the surgery but has added 10 of those pounds back.
| Footballguys view: The injury Knox suffered was absolutely gruesome as he was bent over backwards and was basically folded in half. He's very likely to begin the year on the PUP list and could be put on Injured Reserve as he continues to rehab. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox injury update Thu Apr 5, 10:08 AM
Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery said WR Johnny Knox (back) continues to make progress; however, there is no timetable for his return at this point. 'He has made progress and will continue to make progress. As I've told him, ultimately it'll be him that will decide when he comes back,' Emery said. 'It'll be him telling us where he's at in the rehab process. We're a long way from having to make that decision and we're going to lean heavily on Johnny helping us make that decision. Johnny's made every effort to get back as quick as he can, and he is making progress. Yeah, you want to be cautious because it was a tough injury. It was a heavy-contact injury. Johnny understands where he's at. He's going to keep pushing forward, and there couldn't be a Bear with a better attitude than him.'
| Footballguys view: Knox suffered a horrific looking back injury back in December against the Seahawks. There's a good chance he'll begin the season on the PUP list. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox injury update Wed Mar 28, 01:11 PM
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith said Wednesday, March 28, it's 'a little early' to cast predictions on the potential return of WR Johnny Knox (back), who continues to rehabilitate from a serious back injury suffered in December. 'It would be hard for me to go into that right there,' Smith said. 'Are you a religious man? Do you talk to God? He can probably tell you. Besides that, it's going to be pretty hard.' Sources close to Knox maintain he hasn't experienced any setbacks in his recovery. One source said Knox potentially starting the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list is 'news to us,' and added that the receiver is prepping to play in 2012.
| Footballguys view: After that injury we're just glad Knox is able to get back to football. We wouldn't be surprised to see him begin the season on the PUP list, but at this time it's unknown if he will. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox to open season on PUP list Mon Mar 26, 09:41 AM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (spine) is scheduled to start the 2012 season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to multiple sources familiar with Knox's progress. Knox was forced to wear a back brace after having surgery and continues to walk with a limp now. But there was more structural damage than initially anticipated, according to one source.
| Footballguys view: Not a surprise here. Knox's injury looked horrific as he was bent backwards by an oncoming tackler. There may be a chance that we don't see Knox at all in 2012. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox expected to be ready by July Fri Feb 24, 05:59 PM
Marc Lillibridge, agent for Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back), said Knox is doing well in his rehab and plans on being fully recovered by early to mid July.
| Footballguys view: Good news for Knox here. He suffered one of the most horrific injuries we've ever seen on the football field as he was bent backwards on a tackle. Even though he's on schedule to make a full recovery we think the Bears could add a smaller free agent WR like Eddie Royal. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox making progress Thu Feb 23, 10:36 AM
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith said WR Johnny Knox (back) is making progress with his back rehab.
| Footballguys view: Good news for Knox and the Bears here. His back injury was one of the most horrific looking injuries in NFL history as he was basically bent over backwards. We'll see how his rehab continues, but don't be surprised if the Bears add a free agent WR like Eddie Royal this offseason. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Three rehabbing at team facility Thu Feb 16, 06:59 PM
Chicago Bears LS Patrick Mannelly (knee) said he, OT Gabe Carimi (knee) and WR Johnny Knox (back) have been rehabbing at the team's facility every day this offseason. Mannelly hopes to be snapping by the spring but is not sure if he will be medically cleared to practice.
Link to storyJohnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox may face longer rehab Wed Feb 8, 04:18 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox's (back) rehab from his season-ending back injury could go longer than the six-month rehab he was originally facing.
| Footballguys view: Knox's injury and subsequent surgery was scary, and we're not sure that we'll ever see him on the field again. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox will be in back brace Thu Feb 2, 06:36 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) said he will have to wear a back brace until mid-March because of the surgery he had on his back.
Link to storyJohnny Knox player page
Bears | More on Johnny Knox Mon Dec 19, 07:15 PM
Updating a previous report, Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) had successful surgery Monday, Dec. 19, and his football future prognosis remains good. There is no timetable set for his return, although it is believed he will require at least three months of rehab.
Link to storyJohnny Knox player page
Bears | Two placed on IR Mon Dec 19, 06:21 PM
The Chicago Bears have placed WR Johnny Knox (back) and FS Chris Conte (ankle, foot) on Injured Reserve, ending their 2011 seasons.
Link to storyJohnny Knox player page
Chris Conte player page
Bears | Johnny Knox believed to be facing 3-4 month recovery Mon Dec 19, 03:26 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) is expected to rehab for three to four months after undergoing surgery to stabilize a vertebrae.
Link to storyJohnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox out for season Mon Dec 19, 01:18 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) will miss the rest of the season because of a back injury he suffered in Week 15. He underwent surgery on his back Monday, Dec. 19, and should be able to play in the future.
| Footballguys view: We're glad to hear that Knox had feeling in his extremities after a gruesome hit on Sunday. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox to have surgery Monday Sun Dec 18, 07:28 PM
Updating a previous report, Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) will undergo surgery Monday, Dec. 19, to stabilize vertebra in his back.
Link to storyJohnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox taken to hospital Sun Dec 18, 01:39 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) was taken to the hospital after suffering a mid-back injury in Week 15. Knox was able to move his hands after the injury.
Link to storyJohnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox leads team in receiving in Week 14 Sun Dec 11, 08:59 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox had three receptions for a team-high 37 yards in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos. WR Roy Williams was the only other wideout to record a catch, posting two grabs for 22 yards. WRs Earl Bennett and Devin Hester each had no receptions and were just targeted once each.
| Footballguys view: Knox had an auspicious start with Hanie two weeks ago, but he probably isn't even worth carrying now. |
Roy Williams player page
Devin Hester player page
Earl Bennett player page
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox not worried about contract Sat Dec 10, 02:03 AM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox has one year remaining on his original rookie contract, and serious talks between Knox's agent and the team have not yet taken place. 'If they came to you and tried to give you an extension, I guess things would be going through your mind, but they haven't asked me,' Knox said. A league source said Knox is looking for a lucrative extension, which compares favorably to deals signed by Green Bay Packers WR Jordy Nelson, New Orleans Saints WR Lance Moore, and a couple of others.
Link to storyJohnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox posts 145 yards, TD Sun Nov 27, 09:31 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox had four receptions for a game-high 145 yards and a touchdown in the Week 12 game against the Oakland Raiders. He is now averaging 22.2 yards per reception this season (28-622).
| Footballguys view: Knox's speed and soft hands were on display as he reeled in a bomb from Caleb Hanie late in the game, and he was just about as involved as he was with Jay Cutler at QB. Hanie's willingness to air it out makes Knox a waiver pickup in deep leagues. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox steps up in Week 11 Mon Nov 21, 12:27 AM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox had three receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown in Week 11 against the San Diego Chargers. The touchdown was the first of the season for Knox, and he had 53 or fewer receiving yards in each of his past six games.
| Footballguys view: Knox made terrific adjustments to the TD and another big downfield pass. His value was on the rise with Cutler, but he isn't worth rostering with Hanie at QB. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox may be returner Sat Nov 12, 04:09 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox could receive a bigger role as a kick and punt returner if WR Devin Hester (ankle) is not able to play in the game.
Link to storyJohnny Knox player page
Bears | WRs do little in Week 5 loss Tue Oct 11, 12:29 AM
Chicago Bears WR Sam Hurd posted four receptions for 50 yards in the Week 5 game Monday, Oct. 10, against the Detroit Lions. WR Devin Hester managed five catches for just 32 yards, while WR Johnny Knox was held to just two catches for 17 yards.
| Footballguys view: Bears QB Jay Cutler had little time to throw and spent most of the evening trying to get away from the Lions pass rush. |
Devin Hester player page
Sam Hurd player page
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox leads receivers in Week 3 Sun Sep 25, 10:55 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox had four receptions for 84 yards in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers. WR Devin Hester had three grabs for 62 yards, while WR Dane Sanzenbacher reeled in five balls for 27 yards and a score, his second of the season. WR Sam Hurd also chimed in with one grab for 17 yards.
| Footballguys view: Knox had a bad drop on what could have been a big day, and he also had a punt return TD called back by a phantom holding penalty. If any Bears WR is worth owning, it is Knox. |
Devin Hester player page
Sam Hurd player page
Johnny Knox player page
Dane Sanzenbacher player page
Bears | Johnny Knox leads subpar receiving corps Sun Sep 18, 08:54 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox had two receptions for 45 yards in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. Rookie WR Dane Sanzenbacher managed three catches for 33 yards and his first NFL touchdown. WRs Earl Bennett, Devin Hester and Sam Hurd each had just one catch.
| Footballguys view: Cutler just didn't have time to look downfield all that often. Knox is looking like the most valuable Bears WR, but that ain't saying much - just don't cut him yet. |
Devin Hester player page
Sam Hurd player page
Earl Bennett player page
Johnny Knox player page
Dane Sanzenbacher player page
Bears | Roy Williams uncertain for Week 2 Wed Sep 14, 12:12 PM
Chicago Bears WR Roy Williams' (groin) status for Week 2 is uncertain because of a groin injury he suffered in Week 1.
| Footballguys view: The Bears will turn to Johnny Knox as a starting WR opposite Devin Hester if Williams can't play. |
Roy Williams player page
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox working hard to regain spot Thu Aug 25, 01:59 AM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox continues to work hard to re-gain his starting job from WR Roy Williams. 'He and I talked about that. And the good thing about it is, you got (Knox) who is fighting and working hard,' receivers coach Darryl Drake said. :And believe you and me, (Williams) also understands Johnny is there, and Johnny is hungry, and Johnny wants his spot back. And if things don't start changing, then Johnny is going to be in there.'
| Footballguys view: Knox is going to be better for having been demoted this summer. He is worth a pick as your WR5 or WR6, especially in non-PPR leagues. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox shows off speed Sun Aug 14, 01:37 AM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox showed off his speed in the return game in the preseason opener Saturday, Aug. 13, against the Buffalo Bills. He had a 70-yard punt return to go along with one catch for 11 yards.
| Footballguys view: Knox is going to have to work hard to get back into three-wide sets with the first team, but he is retaining his value in return yardage leagues. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox not looking for trade Thu Aug 11, 02:49 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox said he is not looking for a trade and wants to stay with the team for his entire career. He said he was unhappy about losing his starting job but is determined to win it back. Wide receivers coach Darryl Drake said Knox would still be an important part of the offense if he does not start.
| Footballguys view: If Knox is upset then perhaps it will motivate him to play better. Roy Williams gives this team much needed size at the WR position, whereas Knox is better working underneath routes. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox listed as backup Wed Aug 10, 03:16 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox is listed as the backup behind WR Roy Williams on the depth chart for the first preseason game.
| Footballguys view: The depth chart could change during the preseason, but for now Knox will be playing as the team's third-string receiver. Williams had the best season of his career under Mike Martz and is already impressing his new team in camp. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox needs to improve Mon Aug 8, 04:57 PM
Continuing previous reports, Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox will compete with WR Roy Williams for the starting job at split end. Wide receivers coach Darryl Drake said Knox has 'to improve' this year, but did not provide any specific details on what Knox needs to work on. Knox led the league in most interceptions on passes intended to a wide receiver (11).
| Footballguys view: We'll provide details. Knox wasn't always in the right place at the right time and he didn't compete well for balls in the air. He was fine when he was wide open, and his speed and quicks can get him open, but when it came down to being physical, Knox was overwhelmed by more aggressive corners. |
Roy Williams player page
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox, Roy Williams to compete for job Sun Aug 7, 11:58 AM
Chicago Bears wide receivers Darryl Drake said WRs Johnny Knox and Roy Williams will be competing for the starting split end position during preseason.
| Footballguys view: Whether or not Knox holds off Williams, it is clear that the Bears don't see him as their best receiver, even though he had the best fantasy numbers last year. Knox was responsible for multiple interceptions and generally did not compete well for the ball in flight. Even if Knox starts, expect Williams to play a large role and cap Knox's value this year. |
Roy Williams player page
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox not expected to practice Sat Aug 6, 03:00 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) is not expected to practice Saturday, Aug. 6, because of what is believed to be a minor back injury. It is believed Knox missed practice Friday, Aug. 5, because of the injury.
Link to storyJohnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox to be primary kickoff return man Sat Aug 6, 01:03 AM
Chicago Bears special teams coordinator Dave Toub wants to feature WR Johnny Knox in the kickoff return role now that S Danieal Manning has moved on to the Houston Texans. WR Devin Hester is also expected to see some time in the role, and RB Kahlil Bell might also see some chances.
| Footballguys view: Knox has the speed to break long returns, although Hester has flourished on kickoff returns too, so this will continue to be one of the strengths of the Bears. |
Johnny Knox player page
Kahlil Bell player page
Bears | Johnny Knox bulks up Thu Aug 4, 09:58 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox looks stronger this year after spending the offseason in the weight room. He said he had to get stronger in his upper body, and he has put on about 10 pounds since last season. While his legs still look a bit thin, he promised they are also stronger and he did a lot of lower body work.
| Footballguys view: Knox might be stronger, but if he doesn't play strong when the ball in the air and execute more consistently, he won't improve from last year's numbers. He is a good injury/bye week receiver in nonPPR leagues. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Free agent WR Burress wants to play for Chicago Tue Jul 12, 07:25 PM
Free agent WR Plaxico Burress said in a recent radio interview that the Bears are one of three teams he would love to play for in 2011. "Oh without question, without a doubt," Burress said. "My decision making is going to come down to what I said, playing with an elite quarterback, playing with a running game, playing with a great tight end, and Greg Olsen is already that guy. As a player you just want to be embraced. It's one of the best cities in the world."
| Footballguys view: The Bears are looking for a big WR to play alongside guys like Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox. Burress is not the same player he used to be after spending two years away from the game while he was incarcerated. However, he could help a team as a red zone threat because of his size, leaping ability, and body control. |
Plaxico Burress player page
Earl Bennett player page
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | WR Bennett could win starting job Fri Jun 17, 03:07 PM
Brad Biggs, from the Chicago Tribune, reports Bears WR Earl Bennett is facing a big season in 2011. He's entering the final season of his contract with a chance to set himself up well. Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz recently commented that he wants to use Bennett more this year. 'He will figure in a much larger role than he did last year.' Martz said. Bennett could compete for the starting job opposite Johnny Knox.
| Footballguys view: Martz sounds like he wants to get Bennett more involved this year. Bennett and Jay Cutler have great chemistry dating back to their days together in college at Vanderbilt. We'll see if Bennett can continue to develop as a route runner and take advantage of his opportunity in a contract year. |
Earl Bennett player page
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | May consider extending Johnny Knox's contract Wed Jun 1, 02:50 PM
The Chicago Bears may consider extending WR Johnny Knox's contract at some point if he continues to produce in the offense. Knox is signed through the 2012 season.
| Footballguys view: Knox has proven to be a speedy downfield target, but he does need to play with more consistency. We'll see if the Bears believe he's worthy of keeping around past his rookie deal. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Believe WRs can make big strides in offense Wed May 11, 09:49 AM
The Chicago Bears believe that WRs Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett and Devin Hester will be able to make big strides between the first and second year under offensive coordinator Mike Martz's system.
| Footballguys view: Bennett in particular seemed to come on later in the season. He could emerge as the most valuable Bears WR to own this year. |
Devin Hester player page
Earl Bennett player page
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox finds end zone twice Week 16 Sun Dec 26, 06:28 PM
Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox caught four passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns against the New York Jets in Week 16, according to The Associated Press.
| Footballguys view: Knox took advantage of some shoddy Jets coverage and a rocket Cutler arm to score twice. His receptions haven't come in bunches, but he has been a good downfield threat this year. |
Johnny Knox player page
Bears | Johnny Knox, Devin Hester visit end zone Tue Dec 21, 12:09 AM
Chicago Bears WRs Johnny Knox and Devin Hester each had receiving touchdowns in the Week 15 win against the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Dec. 20. Hester also set the NFL record with his 14th career punt or kick return for touchdown when he had a 64-yard punt return for score in the third quarter.
Link to storyDevin Hester player page
Johnny Knox player page