The Chicago Bears continue to capitalize off Jeremy Langford who is excelling as the starting running back following the injury to Matt Forte. The veteran was out for his second straight game as the rookie ran wild for the Bears and secured the team a win despite the injuries plaguing the offense. As Forte returns to practice, will it be Langford that remains the starter for the remainder of the season?
According to the Chicago Tribune, Forte's knee is "80 percent better" as he did return to practice heading into Week 10. However, the running back was ruled out for the game as he continues to heal from the knee sprain. Forte told the media that he has seen improvement, but still has some time before he is full-speed and ready for contact. Forte admits that his expiring contract is playing a role in his decision to get back on the field as quickly as possible as the running back's future is uncertain.
"That's (a factor), if not the most important factor -- the future," Forte said, via the Tribune. "Because if you go out there for one game and then ruin the rest of your season and maybe your career, then that's a big factor. There's a lot of football left to be played. So you don't want to chance it for one game. That's a lot of it."
Forte denied the idea that Langford's production was motivating his return, but it certainly is not helping the questions surrounding his future with the franchise. Langford is proving he can carry the rushing load. In Week 10, he put up 73 yards and a touchdown on the ground along with another 109 yards and a touchdown through the air. Those numbers have confidence growing high in Langford who is expected to play a big role in the offense whether Forte is on the field or not. The veteran would only offer up praise for the rookie after the game.
"He's like a sponge," Forte said, via the Tribune. "He likes to absorb all the information he can get. And obviously with me being in the room, he's just taking that advice from me and taking pointers whenever you give them. He's been real receptive of that. Some guys can come in and be kind of arrogant. He's been the opposite of that. He's done a good job in that part."
The Bears were dealing with plenty of injuries and Langford stepped up along with Zach Miller and Ka'Deem Carey. He is slowly pushing Forte out of the picture for the long-term with the franchise as the Bears might not make the move to re-sign the veteran in free agency. With Alshon Jeffery also needing a big contract, Forte could be the player on the outside looking in.
