NFL.com: White out for extended period of time

It's one step forward and two steps back for Kevin White.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that Bears players expect the second-year receiver will miss an extended period of time due to an ankle injury he suffered last week.

White was in the midst of his best game as a pro before injury struck. The 6-foot-3 wideout snagged six of his nine targets for 55 yards before leaving midway through the third quarter. White finally displayed toughness at the point of the catch and an ability to box out defenders. White's role had grown the past two weeks with Brian Hoyer spreading the ball around.

White missed his entire rookie season after suffering a stress fracture in his shin last year.

The Bears offered an intriguing trio of receivers with Alshon Jeffery's ability to win down field, Eddie Royal's run-after-the-catch acumen and White's big-body play. With White out, Cameron Meredith will take snaps as the No. 3 receiver. Expect tight end Zach Miller's role in the offense to grow even further.

The Bears started the season a depressing 1-3 with an injury-plagued, talent-poor roster that ranks 30th on Around The NFL's quarter-mark Power Poll. Watching the growth of young players like White, running back Jordan Howard and a litter of secondary cubs over the course of the season is what the fan base was counting on tracking. White can't make progress while he's on the sidelines.