(CBS) Considering he was undergoing spinal surgery, it was assumed Johnny Knox would miss the rest of the season, but head coach Lovie Smith confirmed as much Monday.

“He’s out, of course, this year,” Smith said. “But just looking to the future, it looks bright for him to play and to get back out there. So we’re encouraged by that.”

Smith said on WBBM Monday morning that Knox suffered a fractured vertebrae. The Chicago Tribune later reported it was a cracked facet joint, which helps keep the spinal column stable. The newspaper cited a source that said Knox would be fully healed in three to four months.

Knox had the surgery Monday.