The Chicago Bears are expected to get Matt Forte back in the lineup ahead of Jeremy Langford in Week 12 after missing time with an injury, while Alshon Jeffery is hoping to play after sitting out last week. Martellus Bennett is dealing with an injury and if he is out or if Jeffery is limited, players like Marquess Wilson and Zach Miller are potential fantasy sleepers.
UPDATE: Forte and Alshon Jeffery are expected to play.
Forte has been dealing with a knee injury and he has missed the last few games for the Bears, but he is expecting to return on Thursday night against the Packers. According to ESPN.com, Forte said that he will be playing on Thursday and that he is "excited" to get back in the lineup for Chicago. Forte said that he was healthy enough to play on Sunday, but with the quick week following the game into Thanksgiving, the Bears wanted to be cautious with his knee injury.
Jeremy Langford has been a capable option with Forte out, but he now will get pushed back with Forte re-entering the lineup. The Bears may still give Langford some touches after how well he has played over the last couple games, but Forte should slot back in as the lead back for Week 12 for Chicago. Pro Football Talk reports that offensive coordinator Adam Gase said that having Forte and Langford active gives the team a "really interesting one-two punch" and that could be a major factor in the game on Thursday.
The other major injury concern for the Bears is with Alshon Jeffery, who missed last week with shoulder and groin injuries. Jeffery is hoping to get back in the lineup on Thursday and Jeff Dickerson at ESPN Chicago reports that Jeffery was able to practice on Tuesday, but on a limited basis. Jeffery did not practice last week on Thursday and Friday and then missed the game on Sunday, so him coming into practice, even in a limited basis, is a positive sign. Jeffery may have to sit out again with the quick turnaround into the Thursday game from Sunday.
If Jeffery is out or limited, it could mean more targets for Marquess Wilson on offense and he is worth starting for fantasy owners. Dickerson reports that Martellus Bennett also was limited in practice on Tuesday and his status for the game on Thursday remains up in the air. Bennett was able to play last week despite dealing with a rib injury and if he is out, it means more targets for Zach Miller on offense. UPDATE: Bennett has been officially ruled out for the Bears.
The Bears are hoping that rookie Kevin White can get things going towards the end of the season and Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports that White may start practicing with the team. White has been dealing with a leg injury all season and after being on the PUP list, he had to either start practicing or get placed on season-ending IR. The Tribune reports that White started practicing to open his eligibility window to return, but that it is "unlikely" he plays this season. White was a top 10 draft pick this year.
Check here for more on the Bears, Forte and Jeffery for Week 12.