Chicago first-round pick Kirk Hinrich will start the season on the injured list because of a viral infection that has sidelined him for more than a week.

Hinrich, out of Kansas University and the seventh pick overall, was expected to backup Jamal Crawford at guard when the Bulls opened the season Wednesday against Washington. But Hinrich hasn’t been able to practice since Oct. 17 because of the infection, and has lost several pounds.

He’ll likely need a few days to get back into playing shape and will miss at least the first five games of the season.

“Yeah, it hurts not having him out there,” coach Bill Cartwright said Monday. “Hopefully we can get him back pretty quick.”

The Bulls also placed Jay Williams and Linton Johnson on the injured list. Williams, the No. 2 pick in the 2002 draft, is recuperating from severe injuries he suffered in a June motorcycle crash, and won’t play before next season, at the earliest.