Marquess Wilson

Bears WR Marquess Wilson — the smooth, speedy offseason standout who had been in line for the Bears' No. 3 receiver job — is likely to be sidelined until at least midseason, a person with knowledge of the injury told USA TODAY Sports on Monday.

Wilson, 21, broke his collarbone in three places when he was injured in practice two weeks ago, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because injury details were to remain private. He had surgery Aug. 5 and the initial timeline for recovery was set at 12 to 14 weeks.

That could make Wilson a candidate for short-term injured reserve if the Bears believe he can return to help them in the second half of the season. They also could save that designation for another player and put Wilson on season-ending IR, or they could carry Wilson on the 53-man roster in hopes his recovery is faster than expected, though that would take away a spot from a healthy player.

The injury has created an opportunity for free agent Santonio Holmes, who signed a one-year contract with the Bears on Saturday after four often-disappointing seasons with the New York Jets. Holmes will have limited fantasy value behind WRs Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, but could prove worthy in deeper leagues.