News of the stress fracture in WR Kevin White's left shin on Saturday rattled a Bears fan base with high expectations for the receiver's rookie season.
Inside the team, however, business continued as usual. After all, the Bears have been practicing without White since his stress fracture was first detected in mid-June.
Now that White's chances of playing in 2015 seem dim, Bears receivers have a clearer sense of their challenge in replacing his contribution.
Veteran Eddie Royal, who signed as a free agent in March, was likely to be a starter regardless of White's health. The Bears like him as a slot receiver because of his suddenness and ability to gain yards after the catch. Without White, though, he could play more outside.
Royal came into the league with the Broncos in 2008 playing outside and has done so throughout his career.
"I've been trying to learn the whole system just so if anything happens that I'll be able to step in and play wherever," he said after Sunday's practice. "We've got a number of guys that are doing that."
With Alshon Jeffery also a bit banged up, chances are good Royal at least gets some practice on the outside in camp. If Jeffery is fine, as expected, third-year receiver Marquess Wilson is another one who can play on the outside. Wilson wowed the crowd Sunday with a leaping catch on a deep throw down the right sideline from Jay Cutler. It's possible with Wilson around, Royal continues to play in the slot, but the news here is because of injuries, Royal may have a little more fantasy value than we've been used to him having during his time with the Chargers.
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