Chicago Bears: Pernell McPhee has knee surgery, placed of PUP

Chicago Bears Linebacker Pernell McPhee will be out for a while after having arthroscopic knee surgery.

Two days into training camp and a Chicago Bears player already had surgery. After Friday’s practice, Bears coach John Fox revealed to reporters that Bears linebacker Pernell McPhee had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. The day when the players had to report to training camp was the same day when the Chicago Bears Twitter account tweeted that they are placing McPhee on the physically unable to perform list.

Bears doctors found an irregularity in McPhee’s right knee during his physical. He didn’t even complete the physical. Coach Fox told the media that the surgery was a “cleanup” and it’s unclear how long McPhee will be out for. Coach Fox didn’t seem concerned about his latest surgery calling it “literally a cleanup.”

Fox might not be concerned but I am. This guy continues to be injured. If he can’t stay on the field, how can you depend on him?

In his first two seasons with the Chicago Bears, McPhee has missed a combined nine games. The talented outside linebacker participated in the Bears OTA’s and veteran minicamp and appeared to be healthy.

"“I still feel great, I’m moving around pretty good, as I watch myself on film,” McPhee said in June. “I feel lighter than I was a couple of weeks ago when you saw me. So, you know, I’m still blessed, still feeling great.”"

McPhee was Bears general manager Ryan Pace’s first free agent signing. He signed a five year, $38.75 million contract with the Bears back in 2015. So far, that free agent signing hasn’t gone so well. It is fair to say that McPhee is injury prone. In 2012, he had two arthroscopic procedures on his right knee.

This is not the first time that he has been placed on the PUP list. Remember last season when he missed the first six games because of a knee injury. He just can’t stay healthy.

Next: Predicting the Bears' 53-man roster to start season

McPhee will not be allowed to practice with the team until the team decides to remove him from the PUP list, but he can still receive medical treatment and be involved in team meetings. If McPhee is still on the PUP list when the regular season starts, then he will once again miss the first six games of the Chicago Bears season. For now, don’t expect to see Pernell McPhee on the field for a while.