Bears Blitz

Matt Forte Injury: Latest Updates on Bears RB’s Ankle

Published by Patrick Clarke on September 24, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte missed the team’s 23-6 Week 3 win over the St. Louis Rams with an ankle injury suffered on Sept. 13 against the Green Bay Packers.

Forte sprained his right ankle nearly two weeks ago in a Thursday Night Football matchup at Lambeau Field. He has 111 yards rushing and a touchdown on 23 carries in two games this season.

UPDATE: Saturday, Sept. 29 at 3:05 p.m. ET by Alex Ballentine

According to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com, Forte continues to improve his chances of being available for the Bears when they take on the Cowboys on Monday night. Seifert reports that the star runningback was a limited participant in practice for the third consecutive day.

Forte was a limited participant in each of the practices but his presence on the field is a strong indicator that he will be involved in the Bears offense in some capacity despite his questionable listing.

—End of update—

UPDATE: Thursday, Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m. ET by Tim Keeney

According to the Chicago Sun-Times‘ Sean Jensen, Forte continued his lighting-quick return as he practiced on Thursday, albeit in a limited fashion:

Matt Forte was limited in practice today.

— Sean Jensen (@seankjensen) September 27, 2012

It seemed earlier in the week that Forte’s chances of returning to the playing field on Monday night were extremely poor, but he continues to make things interesting.

Still, his situation is murky at best. Keep your eye on this one as the Bears have an extra practice this weekend because of Monday Night Football, but be prepared with a backup option.

—End of update—

UPDATE: Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 4:25 p.m. ET by Timothy Rapp

Well, Matt Forte certainly isn’t buying the talk that he won’t be ready to go on Monday night. The running back thinks he’s going to be on the field and suited up, according to Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune:

Forte back to practice today. Thinks he can play Monday

— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) Sept. 26, 2012

Forte said his ankle never got too swollen so he knew he’d be back sooner than later.

— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) Sept. 26, 2012

Now, this doesn’t automatically mean Forte is going to play on Monday night. In fact, I still believe it’s unlikely, though that’s simply my opinion.

But one thing I do know is that given this game is a Monday night contest, you shouldn’t even consider starting Forte on your fantasy team this week, as he’ll likely be a game-time decision.

—End of Update—

UPDATE: Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 11:10 a.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

Matt Forte (ankle) will likely miss the Bears’ Week 4 contest vs. Dallas despite having an extra day to heal, as they play on Monday Night Football. CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora has the latest:

Ryan Grant working out for the Bears today. Matt Forte likely to be out at least through this week

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) Sept. 25, 2012

—End of Update—

According to Bears head coach Lovie Smith (via ESPNChicago.com) on Monday, the Bears are “hopeful” Forte will suit up for Chicago’s next game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football in Week 4.

This was Smith on Forte’s status Monday during an appearance on WBBM-AM 780, according to ESPNChicago.com:

He made a lot of progress last week, and we have an extra day also so that should help. We’re just hopeful that he’ll be able to go. If not, our running backs, not only Michael Bush (Sunday), but Kahlil Bell and Armando Allen all did a good job. But we hope we’ll get our stud running back back.

Forte hasn’t played a full 16-game regular season since 2010. He averaged a career-high 4.9 yards per carry last season, but missed four games to a knee injury.

He has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season twice in his five-year career, but must stay healthy to achieve that mark for a third time.

Forte will turn 27 this December, and if he continues to be banged-up and unreliable, then the Bears will have to make a decision in terms of where they want to go at the running back position. Running backs often have a short life span in the NFL and rarely find success past age 30.

Forte has been hit plenty over the years. He has carried the ball more than 1,000 times since being drafted by the Bears in the second round back in 2008.

Stay tuned for more information and updates on Forte’s injury status as they become available.

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