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
Matt Forte returned to practice for the Chicago Bears on Wednesday, a much needed boost for the battered Bears backfield.
"“I just did individual [drills]” Forte said. “It wasn’t a very long practice, so I just wanted to see how I felt today. I went through all the routes and everything. I can sprint, so I think I’ll be good to go.”"
Forte injured his ankle back on September 13th on Thursday night football vs the Packers and then Bush missed most of the fourth quarter vs the Rams but the injury was not very clear.
Lovie Smith did his best to try to deflect questions about Forte’s return:
"“My glass is always half full,” Smith. “We’ve said he’s making progress, which he is, no more than that. I would hold off on … he has a long ways to go still, but he is making progress and hopefully we can get him out there.”"
With Michael Bush allegedly limited with a bum shoulder and Evan Rodriguez nursing a knee injury the Bears could use all the help they could get in the backfield with a tough road date in Dallas vs the Cowboys.
Fantasy Impact
If you’ve got Matt Forte on your fantasy team, you might be itching to get him back into your lineup. Not so fast. The Cowboys are an enticing option, with their defense allowing 113 yards per game and an average of 4 yards per carry. With a fierce pass rush and an overmatched J’Marcus Webb, the Bears should expect to try to run the ball.
With the Bears and Cowboys playing on Monday night, your options could be limited if there are any last minute changes to Forte’s status. Maybe you thought you were being smart and handcuffed Forte with Michael Bush. First off, congrats for picking him up, he’s paid early dividends. Second, while he’s injured, you could really get stuck if Bush and Forte both miss time. If you’ve got an endless roster, you could go pick up Kahlil Bell, but chances are your roster would be locked except for players that haven’t played yet, limiting your maneuvering options.
It’s only Thursday, so stay tuned for more updates on Forte and Bush’s status but if you’re deciding between Forte and someone playing on Thursday night’s game between the Ravens and the Browns, you might be better off going with the sure thing.