The Chicago Bears got Alshon Jeffery back in Week 6 from injury and he had a strong game for Jay Cutler in the loss against the Lions. Matt Forte has played well and he could be a target at the trade deadline if the Bears continue to struggle, while rookie Kevin White is making his way back from a shin injury.
Jeffery had missed all but one game this season coming into Week 6 and he was able to get back on the field after dealing with a hamstring injury. According to ESPN Chicago, Jeffery was able to practice without limitations and on Sunday he made an impact, going for eight catches for 147 yards and a touchdown against the Lions. Jeffery had 11 targets in the game and consistently was a mismatch for the Lions secondary.
The Bears were not able to win the game, but having Jeffery back on the field made the offense move much more consistently and he clearly is the number one target for Cutler. Jeffery has 13 catches for 225 yards in two games this season and the Bears are hoping that his hamstring injury does not flare up again moving forward. Jeffery looked good on deep balls down the sideline and adding that element back to the offense will be big for Cutler heading into the next game.
Matt Forte had another strong game and he continues to be very productive for the Bears this season. Forte is considered to be a trade target for teams at the deadline, as he is coming into the last year if his contract and the Bears were not looking to give him an extension heading into the season. According to CBS Sports, Jason La Canfora reports that the Bears are willing to trade Forte this year, but that the price would likely be a steep one. Forte is one of the best backs in the league and the team may want a high draft pick in any trade.
Forte will be 30 when next season starts and being in the last year of his contract makes him a trade target for teams. La Canfora writes that the Bears likely would want "at least" a second or third round pick for Forte and it comes as he is getting $7 million for this season. Forte has 507 rushing yards this season and has also added 21 catches for 191 yards and three total touchdowns for Chicago. Eddie Royal has been a solid fantasy option for owners with Jeffery missing time and he comes in after making five catches for 49 yards last week.
The Bears have needed Royal to step up with Jeffery dealing with his injury and rookie Kevin White out of action with a stress fracture in his shin. According to John Mullin at CSN Chicago, White is working his way back from his injury and has been doing some "light running" and other low key workouts at practice with the team. White does not have a timetable to return and head coach Johns Fox said that he is "not optimistic, not pessimistic" and is taking things "one day at a time."
Check here for more on the Bears, Jeffery, Forte and Cutler and more on Kevin White and his recovery.