Bears Receivers Coach Curtis Johnson Believes Kevin White Will Return In 2016

By Chris Emma--

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- The Bears are still holding out hope that second-year receiver Kevin White can return from his fractured fibia this 2016 season.

While White is in jeopardy of finishing his second straight season on injured reserve, he's still eligible to return for Week 13 after missing the required eight weeks. Bears receivers coach Curtis Johnson feels that we will see White back before the season's end.

"I think he will," Johnson said. "I definitely think he will. Just because of how that kid is, how determined he is."

The No. 7 pick of the 2015 draft, White missed his entire rookie season after having surgery on his shin. He could've returned off the physically-unable-to-perform list last December, but the Bears opted to shut him down and place him on IR.

After recording 19 catches this season, White suffered the fibia fracture along with a severe ankle sprain. The team shut him down on IR, and he had surgery shortly after.

The Bears have a decision to make on who returns of the IR list. Cornerback Kyle Fuller, the team's first-round pick in 2014, is also on IR and could return this season. Only one player can return this season.

Returning for this season would be a positive for White, whose career has been filled with early misfortune. Johnson feels that White will be back.

"It's going to mean a lot," Johnson said. "He's one of those guys that wants to play. He loves to play the game."

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.