Bears GM Phil Emery provided updates Wednesday on the potential return of injured tackle Gabe Carimi and receiver Johnny Knox during a conference call with season-ticket holders.
Back in February, Carimi said his surgically repaired right knee was pain free, and he's expecting to participate in the team's first offseason camp later this month.
"[Carimi] has been working tremendously hard," Emery said during the conference call, excerpts of which were posted on the team's website. "I have had a chance to visit with him a couple times and watch him rehab. We're very excited that he's coming back. He's going to really help solidify our offensive line."
Knox, meanwhile, appears to be facing a more difficult rehabilitation process.
Knox suffered a fractured vertebra when he absorbed a hit during a December loss to the Seahawks. The damage from the collision resulted in Knox undergoing surgery to stabilize a vertebra in his back.
Bears GM: Carimi On Track, Knox Still Out