Bears' Receiver Johnny Knox May Miss 2012 Season

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images(LAKE FOREST, Ill) -- Chicago Bears receiver Johnny Knox says he can't rule out missing the entire 2012 season while attempting to recover from a fractured vertebra.

"It could happen, but I'm staying optimistic," Knox said. "My main focus is in that weight room. That's all I'm focusing on. I'm not in a rush...this is my spine, the core of my body that I'm dealing with. This is not my knee or my ankle or my shoulder ... I'm taking my time on this."

Knox was injured during the Bears' December 18 game versus the Seattle Seahawks. He had fumbled the ball and was attempting to get it back when he was hit by defensive end Anthony Hargrove. Knox had to be carted off the field, and had surgery the next day to stabilize a vertebra in his spinal column.

In three full seasons with the Bears, Knox has 133 receptions, for 2,214 yards and 12 touchdowns.

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