Bears' Pernell McPhee To Open Season On PUP List, Miss 6 Weeks

By Chris Emma--

(CBS) The Bears will be missing Pernell McPhee, their top edge rusher, for at least six weeks.

In coordination with Saturday's finalization of the 53-man roster, the Bears elected to keep McPhee on the physically-unable-to-perform list, which holds him out for the first six weeks of the season.

McPhee underwent surgery in February to repair a knee injury sustained last season. He played through the pain mostly, missing just two games in 2015, but wasn't the same player. McPhee was placed on the PUP list prior to training camp and was eligible to return at any time prior to the deadline Saturday.

McPhee, 27, had six sacks in his first season with the Bears, though only one in the final nine weeks of the season. He missed two games during that span while nursing the knee injury.

Surgery was deemed the best course of action during the offseason, though it was expected he would be ready for the season. McPhee missed the offseason workout program while recovering from the injury and has spent the preseason doing side work.

Receiver Marquess Wilson also remained on the PUP list as he recovers from a broken foot.

The Bears do have depth at outside linebacker. Lamarr Houston and Willie Young -- both of whom recovered from knee injuries last season -- project to start at both edge-rushing spots after leading the Bears in sacks last season. Rookie Leonard Floyd and veteran Sam Acho should work into the rotation, too.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.