Matt Forte Injury: Updates on Bears RB’s Knee and Return
Published by Tyler Conway on November 1, 2015
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte suffered a knee injury against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8 following a tackle from Harrison Smith. The Bears announced Forte was out after the injury forced the 29-year-old to the locker room for evaluation.
Continue for updates.
Forte Ruled Out for Week 9
Friday, Nov. 6
Forte will not play against the San Diego Chargers on Monday, per Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune.
Latest on Forte’s Practice Status Ahead of Week 9
Thursday, Nov. 5
The Bears announced Forte continues to be held out of practice.
Fox Comments on Forte’s Injury
Monday, Nov. 2
Bears coach John Fox told reporters Forte was still being evaluated but added he “doesn’t see” it being a season-ending injury. Fox also said he “does not anticipate” that Forte will need surgery.
“They did the evaluation and they have an idea, but I hate to speculate until they get medical evidence,” Fox said Sunday, via Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com. “We’ll keep you posted on that.”
Bears Believe Forte Avoided ACL Injury
Sunday, Nov. 1
The Bears believe Forte suffered an injury to his MCL, not ACL, according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer (via Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports).
Forte Critical to Bears’ Success
In his eighth NFL season, all with the Bears, Forte has been a bastion of consistency throughout his career. He’s rushed for at least 929 yards in each of his first seven seasons and never for more than 1,339. Chicago has also emphasized Forte’s pass-catching ability out of the backfield more, as he had 21 grabs coming into Sunday. Prior to exiting in Week 8, Forte rushed 10 times for 41 yards and added another 28 yards on four receptions.
Last season was his second straight setting a career high in receptions. The two-time Pro Bowler made 102 grabs for 808 yards and four touchdowns while adding 1,038 yards and six scores on the ground.
Forte’s own focus has continued to shift. Instead of worrying he might soon be out of a job—multiple times the Bears have signed players designed to, at the very least, work in a platoon—he’s instead begun putting his effort into breaking the running back aging curve.
The Bears selected Ka’Deem Carey in the fourth round last year, but he hasn’t touched the field this year in favor of Jeremy Langford after the team lost Jacquizz Rodgers for the season earlier this year. Losing Forte would create a massive hole in a top-heavy Chicago offense that’s already cracking under the weight of expectations.
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