When the Chicago Bears signed Santonio Holmes it was a sign that the news on receiver Marquess Wilson wasn’t good, but USA Today’s Tom Pelissero gave us a bit more of an idea, reporting Wilson would miss 12-to-14 weeks.

If Wilson were to miss the full 14 weeks (since his surgery) he wouldn’t return to the Bears until November 18, which could give him six games. How much of an impact such an inexperienced player could have in that short amount of time late in the season is iffy.

Eric Weems was getting reps in Wilson’s place with the first team as a slot receiver, but his release has left that job open for competition. As the Chicago Tribune’s Rich Campbell reported, it looks like Josh Morgan will get the reps with the Bears first-team offense as the third receiver.

Trestman: Josh Morgan is the next man up at WR3. #Bears`

— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) August 18, 2014

The injury was a big setback for Wilson, who many expected to breakout after essentially red-shirting last year and working out with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. With both Wilson and tight end Zach Miller both expected to miss a lot of time (the entire season in Miller’s case) the Bears will be looking for more receiving options.

We saw the first move when the Bears signed Holmes, but what they do with Wilson for this season remains to be seen. The Bears could put him on Injured Reserve, ending his season or put him on Injured Reserve-Designated to return, which would allow him to return late in the season. What they decide to do could depend on how Holmes looks, something I’ll get into more tomorrow.