The Chicago Bears were very confident that Matt Forte's knee injury was not season-ending and now it might not even keep him out a week. The running back went down with a knee sprain that apparently looked worse than it actually was. After opting not to sign another running back to the roster, Forte is listed as day-to-day and could actually play in Week 9.
According to head coach John Fox, there is a chance that Forte could play in Week 9 against the San Diego Chargers. Fox says that there is still plenty of time and considering the veteran knowledge of the running back, he would not need that much practice time to actually see the field on Monday night.
"Yeah, you know and chances [that a guy plays] and timelines ... you know I can't determine that," Fox said, via ESPNChicago.com. "It's truly day-to-day. Matt's a leader on this football team. He was voted captain on offense. He's definitely been that guy [a leader] since we've been here and I think he'll continue to do that."
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Bears had brought in Montee Ball for a workout considering the running back's relationship with Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase. However, no contract was ever handed out which might be why there is so much optimism regarding Forte's health. For the time being, the team will continue with Jeremy Langford as their starting running back. Antone Smith is also expected to see some playing time in the backfield as well.
The Bears cannot shake off the injury bug this season. For Week 9, Eddie Royal is expected to be out as he continues to sit out of practice with a knee injury. Cameron Meredith would be his replacement, but he is dealing with an ankle injury. That puts pressure on players like Martellus Bennett who's numbers are considerably lower than in years past. According to the tight end, he is doing more blocking in the offense and is not concerned about his yards and touchdown totals.
"I have a lot of responsibilities in the offense," Bennett said, via ESPN.com. "You guys have to talk to Jay Cutler and [offensive coordinator] Adam Gase about [if my role has changed in recent weeks]. I'm just trying to be a really good employee. That's all. I'm not really tripping. Whatever they ask me to do is what I do. At some point they have to come my way, but until they do there is nothing I can do about it. I'm open, so. [I don't want to] be a bad employee."
Bennett held out for part of training camp because he wanted a bigger contract after being a leading tight end last season. That has not been the case this year. With Bennett doing more blocking than catching, it could hurt any contract demands he comes with in the future.