Conte, who started 16 games last season, is expected to return for training camp this summer, according to the team's website. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears strong safety Chris Conte had shoulder surgery in late March that will sideline him for four to five months.
Conte, who started 16 games last season, is expected to return for training camp this summer, according to the team’s website.
The three-year veteran totaled 95 tackles, three interceptions, seven pass breakups and one forced fumble in his first year as a full-time starter in 2013. Conte, a third-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, has 40 career starts.
Since the start of free agency in March, the Bears have attempted to fortify the position by re-signing Craig Steltz and signing Ryan Munday (New York Giants), MD Jennings (Green Bay Packers) and Danny McCray (Dallas Cowboys).
“I know I’m going to have to compete for my position on this team,” the 25-year-old Conte told the Bears’ website. “I am prepared to do that and felt having this surgery was the best way to be 100 percent healthy and be the best player I can possibly be.”
