The Chicago Bears have struggled this season and if that continues into the trade deadline, Matt Forte could be a target for teams and reports have the Bears willing to consider a deal. The Bears hope Alshon Jeffery can return for Week 6 for Jay Cutler and fantasy football owners should look at Marquess Wilson, Martellus Bennett and Cameron Meredith as options if Jeffery or Eddie Royal can't play.
Jeffery has only played in one game this season for the Bears and the team is hoping that he can make his return this week against the 0-5 Lions. Jeffery is dealing with a hamstring injury and according to ESPN.com, Jeff Dickerson reports that Jeffery was able to practice on Wednesday and participated on a limited basis. The Bears have been careful with bringing back Jeffery, as hamstring injuries can linger for wide receivers and the team does not want Jeffery to have a setback.
Jeffery being back at practice is a good sign that he is close to returning, but until it gets closer to Sunday, fantasy owners should wait and see what his status will be. Marquess Wilson is a solid option for fantasy owners to use as a replacement, while Cameron Meredith is an option in deeper leagues. Eddie Royal also missed the game last week and he could be out again, as ESPN reports that Royal did not practice on Wednesday. The Lions have been terrible, so having Jeffery could be big for the Bears, who could get to 3-3 with a victory. Jeffery had five catches for 78 yards in one game played this season.
Matt Forte has been having a strong season once again and while the Bears may not push for a deal for Forte at the trade deadline, reports have the team considering making a move if the deal is right. According to CBS Sports, Jason La Canfora reports that the Bears would be willing to make a trade with Forte, but only for the "right price" and that could be a steep one. Forte is one of the best backs in the league and with the Bears struggling and Forte in the final year of his contract, the running back is a prime trade target for teams.
The Bears have already made a couple trades this season with Jon Bostic and Jared Allen getting dealt, but that doesn't mean they will necessarily trade Forte. The team was not willing to give Forte an extension before the season and he will be 30 by the time this season ends, which is when most RBs start breaking down. Forte has been very productive and he is on pace for another big season with over 600 total yards already in five games.
Martellus Bennett is always a prime fantasy starter and if Jeffery is out again, expect him to have a solid game. Meredith is a good deep pickup, while Wilson will start if Royal is out again. The Bears hope Jeffery returns, but if not, Wilson is worth starting and he comes in after having six catches for 85 yards and a TD last week. This season Wilson has 15 catches in five games and he already is close to his total catches for last season (17 in seven games).
Check here for more on the Bears, Forte, Alshon Jeffery and Week 6.
