Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace has announced that Kevin White will require surgery on a persistent leg injury.

The Bears selected the 23-year-old with the seventh overall pick in the 2015 Draft, but White has struggled with a shin problem throughout the off-season.

Pace has now confirmed that the wideout will undergo surgery to repair problem, which could put his rookie season in the NFL in doubt.

"At this point in time for his long-term future, the best course of action is going to be to perform surgery to stablise the stress fracture," Pace told reporters.

"Kevin will remain on PUP. That gives us the option of bringing him up in the later portions of the season if need be. But I want to state that our whole focus right now is his long-term health. I know he's going to be a great player for the Chicago Bears.

"I want to make sure that we protect him. He is disappointed. He is dying to get out there. I'm focused on his long-term health right now."

The Bears open their season against the Green Bay Packers on September 13.