National Football League

Bears WR Knox (back) to miss rest of season

Published Dec. 20, 2011 12:04 a.m. ET

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Chicago Bears receiver Johnny Knox was placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season after undergoing back surgery Monday.

Knox was taken from the field on a cart early in Sunday's blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks and had surgery a day later to stabilize a vetebra in his lower to mid back. The Bears also placed safety Chris Conte on IR because of a foot injury he suffered in the game and promoted running Armando Allen, defensive end Thaddeus Gibson and receiver Max Komar from the practice squad, signing them through the 2013 season Monday.

Knox's injury is not considered career-threatening, but the team reported on its website that it's not clear if he'll be ready in time for training camp.

''He's out, of course, the rest of this year. But just looking to the future, it looks bright for him, of course, to play and to get back out there, so we're encouraged by that,'' coach Lovie Smith said.

Knox was injured after he caught a pass. Kam Chancellor poked the ball out of his hands, and as Knox made a diving attempt to retrieve it, he was hit by Anthony Hargrove and bent backward. Smith said it was not a dirty play.

''Guy was playing hard,'' Smith said. ''An unfortunate play. It's a violent sport, and sometimes ... you don't see hits like that very often, but I can't say that it was dirty or anything like that.''

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