Chicago Bears place OL Cody Whitehair on IR, designate WR N’Keal Harry to return from IR

The Bears on Wednesday placed left guard Cody Whitehair on injured reserve, while receiver Cody Whitehair returned to practice, beginning a three-week window to activate him off IR.

Whitehair exited last Sunday’s loss to the Giants with a knee injury in the first half. Coach Matt Eberflus said Monday that it is not expected to be a season-ending injury. Whitehair must miss at least four games and will be eligible to play again Nov. 6 when the Bears host the Dolphins.

Since being selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2016 draft out of Kansas State, Whitehair has started 99 of a possible 101 games.

When Whitehair was injured against the Giants, he was replaced by Lucas Patrick at left guard, with Teven Jenkins playing right guard. Eberflus indicated Monday that the Bears would stick with that alignment moving forward.

Harry hurt his ankle Aug. 6 in practice and was placed on injured reserve Sept. 1. He was acquired by the Bears July 13 in a trade with the Patriots in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round draft pick.

Selected by New England with the 32nd choice in the first round of the 2019 draft out of Arizona State, Harry has appeared in 33 games with 18 starts over three seasons, catching 57 passes for 598 yards and four touchdowns.

His most productive campaign was in 2020 when he had 33 receptions for 309 yards and two TDs. Last year the 6-4, 225-pounder played in 12 games with four starts, catching 12 passes for 184 yards.