The Bears will be without Corey Wootton for at least four weeks after the defensive end suffered a knee injury that will require arthroscopic surgery, the Chicago Tribunereported Monday, citing multiple league sources.
The Tribune reported that Wootton appeared to plant his right leg awkwardly while being blocked in special-teams coverage. He left Soldier Field without crutches and underwent an MRI on Sunday. Wootton isn't believed to have suffered any damage to the ligaments of the knee.
The Bears are hopeful Wootton will be ready for the Sept. 11 season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. A second-year pro, Wootton gained a level of notoriety in his rookie season for a Week 15 hit that concussed then-Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre, ending his season. Favre then retired.
Wootton's injury opens the door for former New York Jets first-round draft pick Vernon Gholston to make the Bears' roster as a reserve, according to the Tribune.
