Bears S Chris Conte Out 4-5 Months Following Shoulder Surgery

The Chicago Bears announced on Thursday that veteran S Chris Conte will miss 4-5 months following a shoulder surgery he underwent a few weeks ago.

Conte, 25, is expected to be back in time for training camp, but will obviously miss offseason workouts.

Bears GM Phil Emery mentioned a few months ago that Conte will be given an opportunity to compete for a starting job in 2014, despite the fact that he is coming off of a poor 2013 season, and Chicago added M.D. Jennings in free agency.

Last year, Conte appeared in all 16 games and totaled 89 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. However, his 2013 season will most likely be remembered for jumping a route while defending Packers WR Randall Cobb that led to a game-winning touchdown and subsequently ended the Bears season.