An emergency appendectomy could have kept new Bears wide receiver Markus Wheaton out until the season opener, but he could be back sooner than previously believed.
.@ChicagoBears WR Markus Wheaton, who had an appendectomy this past Sunday, told me he'll be back in 2 weeks. @nflnetwork
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) August 2, 2017
Stacey Dales of the NFL Network reports that Wheaton will be back in two weeks. It’s an admittedly quick turnaround for a player who had the procedure done on Sunday, but his presence in the Bears’ group of receivers would be welcome.
If it happens, Wheaton’s rapid return to action would be reminiscent to that of former Pittsburgh Steelers teammate Ben Roethlisberger. The ultra-durable Roethlisberger has played through numerous injuries over the years, but an appendectomy in 2006 caused him to miss the team’s season opener. However, Roethlisberger bounced back to start in Week 2 – proving a quick bounce-back is never out of question.
Wheaton signed a two-year deal worth $11 million in the offseason, as the Bears turned in a different direction after parting ways without Alshon Jefferey and allowing the Pro Bowl receiver walk away in free agency. Wheaton is one of seven new receivers in Bears camp trying to carve a role into Dowell Loggains’ offense. Four of the seven were former starters, including Wheaton.