Chicago Bears’ wide receiver Kevin White already had high expectations weighing on him when he was selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. But now, those hopes have multiplied. Late in the first quarter of Chicago’s 19-7 over the Tennessee Titans in Week 3 of the preseason, wide receiver Cameron Meredith went down with what is believed to be a torn ACL. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network tweeted about Meredith’s condition following his injury.
#Bears WR Cameron Meredith is believed to have torn his ACL, per Pam Oliver on the Fox broadcast. Likely had additional damage, too. Too bad
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2017
Meredith also showed optimism on social media.
We fall down, but we get up! Minor setback for the MAJOR comeback! 😤 #GodGotMe
— Cam Meredith (@Cam_I_Am81) August 27, 2017
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With that being said, White really has no choice but to be the No. 1 receiver the Bears desperately need. Alshon Jeffery is long gone, and Meredith is more than likely done for the season. Although someone else is more than capable of stepping in to be the primary target in Chicago’s offense, White needs to let the franchise know that he is worth being a top-10 pick. The 25-year old has only played in four games in his first two seasons in the NFL, and has only 19 receptions for 187 yards to show for it. Albeit, this was due to White’s leg injuries. Furthermore, White has only tallied 32 receiving yards in three preseason games this year. Now that he’s healthy, he needs to be a consistent playmaker.
Currently, White is on the Bears’ depth chart as one of the starting wideouts, and will be there come the start of the regular season. Although he can still be considered a rookie, due to his lack of experience on the field, the third-year pro will have to start acting like a seasoned veteran in order to avoid the label of “bust.”
Meredith led the Bears in receptions (66), receiving yards (888), and was tied for first with four receiving touchdowns in 2016. White’s production this year should match or surpass Meredith’s 2016 stats in order to complement the Bears’ running game, and bring success to the offense. Ready or not, White has a huge void to fill.