Matt Forte Could Miss a Month with High Ankle Sprain

Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) carries the football during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

While there has been no official word from the Chicago Bears, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that running back Matt Forte, who left Thursday night’s 23-10 loss to the Packers in the third quarter, suffered the dreaded high ankle sprain:

[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/246570710573670400″]

It was a really bad time for Forte to leave the game, as he was just getting into a groove with the Bears offense when his ankle was rolled up by Charles Woodson.  Michael Bush stepped in admirably in Forte’s stead, but there was a dropoff in giving Bush a blow with Armando Allen.

It’s possible the Bears could bring back Kahlil Bell, who was cut this preseason because he refused to take a pay cut as the third running back.  Bell is still on the street waiting for his phone to ring. He knows the offense and could jump right in to immediately contribute.

If you’re looking ahead at the Bears upcoming schedule, the Bears get a 10 day breather until the face the Rams at home on September 23rd before heading to Dallas for a Monday nighter on October 1st.  They head to Jacksonvill on 10/7 before getting a bye in Week 6.  If the high ankle sprain reports are true, I’d guess Forte and the Bears try to target the Week 8 Monday Night game vs Detroit for his return.