Matt Forte's Back Tweak Adds More Uncertainty To His Bears Future
By Chris Emma--
(CBS) Bears running back Matt Forte suffered a back injury at a bad time.
Just days ago, Forte spoke of his hope of a return to Chicago in 2016 and also his sense of reality for what's likely to come -- change. His contract expires after this season, and the Bears have a pair of young backs excelling in his place.
On Sunday, Forte sat through the fourth quarter while getting his back worked on by the Bears' medical staff and had dwelling doom and gloom to follow a 26-21 victory over the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. His health is now in question entering what may be the final game of his career in Chicago.
"Do I want to come back? Yes," Forte said Wednesday. "That would be ideal for me, but that doesn't always happen in this business.
"There's not much to hope for right now. I've talked to them earlier, and they haven't said anything back."
Injuries were the last thing that Forte could've afforded to take. He's proved to be the same productive running back when healthy and has only dealt with an MCL sprain this season, missing three games in November as a result. But Forte's great conditioning has kept him active, even at the age of 30.
Bears general manager Ryan Pace didn't want to negotiate a new contract with Forte until he could get a first-hand look at the running back during his first year on the job. While Forte has six touchdowns (four of those coming on the ground, two in the air), he's split carries with rookie running back Jeremy Langford and second-year back Ka'Deem Carey.
During the fourth quarter of Sunday's game in Tampa Bay, the Bears closed out a win with Forte on the sidelines and the two younger backs pacing the offense. He had 54 yards on 11 carries, while Langford took 19 carries for 83 yards and Carey cashed in a pair of touchdowns inside the 5-yard line.
Next Sunday's season finale at Soldier Field could be the last game of Forte's career in Chicago, but only if he's healthy enough to play.
"I play ball every Sunday, as hard as I can," Forte said last week. "And then I worry about that, when free agency comes about."
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
