WR Johnny Knox says that he might miss the entire 2012 season after being injured last December. (Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox acknowledged on Wednesday that he could miss the entire 2012 season after undergoing back surgery to stabilize a vertebra following a December injury.

“It could happen, but I’m staying optimistic,” said Knox, according to Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times. “My main focus is in the weight room. I’m not in a rush. This is my spine, the core of my body I’m dealing with. It’s not my knee, ankle or shoulder. I’m taking my time.”

Knox was second in the NFL with 19.6 yards per catch last season, when he led the Bears with 727 receiving yards. The fourth-year player also led the team with 960 receiving yards in 2010. He was added to the Pro Bowl as a kick returner after the ’09 season as an injury replacement.

Chicago Bears’ wide receiver Johnny Knox will miss the rest of the season after suffering a back injury Sunday, according to CBSSports.com. Knox left the game after being bent backwards on a first quarter tackle.

Knox will have surgery Monday to stabilize vertebrae in his back, but doctors and the Bears’ coaching staff are confident that the injury will not be career-threatening.

Knox has 37 catches for 727 yards and two touchdowns on the season, his third in the league — all with the Bears.