LAKE FOREST – Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox had successful surgery to stabilize a vertebra Monday, but he faces a lengthy rehabilitation to resume his NFL career.

The Bears placed Knox on season-ending injured reserve along with rookie safety Chris Conte, who sprained his foot Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks and did not return.

Knox was taken off of the field on a stretcher Sunday after his torso was bent backward on a hit in the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks. He was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital, and the Bears announced after the game that he would require back surgery.