Bears part with wide receiver Johnny Knox

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- The Chicago Bears have terminated the contract of receiver Johnny Knox after he missed this past season recovering from a back

In three seasons with the Bears, Johnny Knox averaged 16.6 yards per catch and scored 12 touchdowns :: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- The Chicago Bears have terminated the contract of receiver Johnny Knox after he missed this past season recovering from a back injury.

The team announced the move on Tuesday.

Knox needed surgery to stabilize a vertebra after he sustained a gruesome back injury against Seattle late in the 2011 season. The Seahawks' Kam Chancellor poked the ball out of his hands following a reception, and as Knox made a diving attempt to retrieve it, he was hit by Anthony Hargrove and bent backward.

Knox had 133 receptions for 2,214 yards from 2009 to 2011 and was a contributor on special teams with 55 kickoff returns for 1,506 yards.