BOURBONNAIS — Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Friday morning, ensuring he won’t return to the field soon.
Coach John Fox characterized the procedure as relatively minor.
“I don’t want to make light of it, but literally it was a clean-up,” Fox said. “They were glad they went in.”
The Bears put McPhee on the physically unable-to-perform list Wednesday night after he complained of pain during his physical. Doctors then “found a little irregularity,” Fox said.
McPhee, who rejoined his teammates later Friday, had two arthroscopic procedures on his right knee in 2012. He had surgery on his left knee last year.
Fox didn’t offer a timeline for McPhee’s return, but he said the procedure was different than the seemingly routine arthroscopic procedure cornerback Kyle Fuller underwent last preseason. Fuller didn’t play in a game last year.
Fox said the Bears have depth at outside linebacker but getting Lamarr Houston, who’s back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and McPhee healthy to play a full season is critical.
Goldman back
Eddie Goldman participated in the Bears’ walkthrough after sitting out the first practice Thursday. He had failed to complete the conditioning test Wednesday because of dehydration. He needed an IV and fluids to recover.
Goldman, who missed most of last season with a nagging high ankle sprain, is down to 315 pounds.
“When you’re lighter, you move faster, you move quicker,” he said. “That’s something I can use in my game.”
Goldman will participate in the first padded practice of camp Saturday. Fox called his return “huge.”
“I think it’s evident when he’s not there,” Fox said.
This and that
Running back Jeremy Langford missed the walkthrough after rolling his ankle during a walk-through Thursday night. Fox called the injury “slight,” but it was the same ankle Langford injured last season.
• Outside linebacker Dan Skuta didn’t participate, either. He was sore after the first practice and is recovering from hip surgery last year.
Follow me on Twitter @patrickfinley.
Email: pfinley@suntimes.com
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