The 30-year-old Whitehair was injured in Sunday's loss to the New York Giants. He has been a fixture on the Bears' line at center and guard since they drafted him in the second round in 2016, starting 99 games.
It looked at the time like a very serious injury. However, HC Matt Eberflus said Monday that it is not expected to be a season-ending injury. But, Whitehair will have to miss at least four games and will be eligible to play again on Nov. 6 when the Bears host the Dolphins.
Bears writer Larry Mayer reported that when Whitehair was injured against the Giants, he was replaced by Lucas Patrick at left guard, with Teven Jenkins playing right guard. Eberflus indicated Monday that the Bears would stick with that alignment moving forward.