Bears fans were bracing for the best after veteran outside linebacker Pernell McPhee was placed on the physically unable to perform list at the onset of training camp.
Head coach John Fox provided an update on McPhee's status following Friday's practice.
Fox revealed that McPhee underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee and deemed the surgery as a "clean-up" procedure, but wouldn't set a timetable for a return.
During last year's training camp, cornerback Kyle Fuller underwent a knee scope that resulted in him missing the entire 2016 season. Following Fuller's procedure, Fox initially said that he would only miss four weeks.
Fox emphasized that McPhee's situation is different.
"I don’t want to make light of it, but literally it was a clean-up and something they were glad they went in," Fox said. "Sometimes on an MRI, there’s nothing like being in there to see it as a surgeon, according to surgeons.
"I don’t want to put a timeline on it, but I don’t think it’s like that [Fuller's surgery]."
NFL
McPhee was placed on the PUP list with a knee injury during last year's training camp and missed the first six game of the 2016 season. He went on to play in nine games and registered four sacks.
McPhee is eligible to come off the PUP list at any time, but if he's still on it when the regular season begins he would have to miss the first six weeks of the 2017 season.