Knee Injury For Bears' Matt Forte Not Believed To Be Season-Ending
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- The right knee injury that Bears running back Matt Forte suffered in Sunday's game isn't believed to be season-ending, coach John Fox said Monday. The injury likely won't require surgery, Fox added.
"Right now, the feeling is — again, it's not exact, because we're not done with it — I don't see it being season-ending," Fox said.
"There's still an evaluation."
There's no specific timetable yet for Forte's return. The injury is believed to be to Forte's MCL, not ACL, according to national media reports.
Forte was injured during the third quarter of Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Vikings when he was hit low by safety Harrison Smith on an eight-yard screen pass. Rookie running back Jeremy Langford filled in for Forte, compiling 46 yards on 12 carries. However, Langford dropped a third-down pass on the Bears' attempt at a game-winning drive. Chicago then punted, and Minnesota drove for the game-winning field goal.
Following the game, Bears players expressed support in Langford as their starting running back.
"There's only one Matt Forte in the NFL, but we don't think we lose any slack when Jeremy is in the game," Bears tight end Martellus Bennett said.
In this contract year, Forte has rushed for 548 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 25 receptions for 219 yards and a touchdown. At 29, his future with the Bears remains largely uncertain, as his contract expires after this season.
Just last week, the Bears offered high praise for Forte. Quarterback Jay Cutler said he wouldn't trade the running back for anybody else, and offensive coordinator Adam Gase spoke of his versatility.
"It means a lot, especially coming from an offensive coordinator saying that," Forte said. "They evaluate us all the time, every day, in what we do in practice and games. I take pride in being that type of player. That's the type of player I've been striving to be my entire career.
"It's all about being healthy, taking care of your body, It says a lot about you if it's hard to take you out of the game, or they don't want to take you off the field. Whether it's third down, first, second down, whatever – I take pride in being an every-down running back."
Forte has expressed his desire to play in the NFL for several more years.
In other Bears injury news, receiver Eddie Royal's knee injury also isn't considered season-ending, Fox said, and cornerback Bryce Callahan is going through the concussion protocol. There's not yet a timeline for their returns either.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.
