The Chicago Bears got a boost from players returning from injuries in Week 12. Both Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery both came back onto the field which was nice for quarterback Jay Cutler. Injuries have been a huge issue all season and the Bears got a needed win with most of their roster healthy. That could get even better in Week 13 as Martellus Bennett returned to practice on Monday.
According to ESPN's Jeff Dickerson, Bennett returned to practice on Monday after dealing with a rib injury. Bennett missed Week 12 after getting hurt against the Denver Broncos, but his return to the field was a welcomed sight for Cutler. The tight end has been much quieter this season after putting up career-high numbers in 2014, but his presence on the field always draws the defense. Zach Miller has been doing his best to step up, but Bennett is the better option.
One player still not on the field is Eddie Royal. The receiver has missed four games with a knee injury that was not supposed to be season ending, but he has yet to heal from it. Royal's absence has certainly been felt in the passing game especially with Kevin White also out. Jeffery has been handling the work load, but the Bears could really use Royal. In his place, Marquess Wilson has been getting plenty of playing time while Miller moves around the field as well.
The run game for the Bears is no longer a question mark in terms of who is healthy, but the starting role is still up for grabs. According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, Forte is expected to be the starter for the remainder of the season, but might not get the work load of a starter. Jeremy Langford found plenty of success while Forte nursed a knee injury and the Bears see him as the future. The two backs split carries in Week 12. The veteran had 16 carries for 53 yards while Langford rushed 12 times for 48 yards and one touchdown. Forte told the media he is not thinking about what his role is on the team and is simply happy to be healthy again.
"I don't know if I had any extra adrenaline being back out there. I mean, I always have adrenaline, but it felt good to be on the field again," Forte said, via ESPN.com. "This was a big-time win. It's hard to win out here at Lambeau Field. I've played here a lot and haven't won much. It feels great to get a full team win. The defense played great, obviously, and as an offense we moved the ball sometimes and capitalized in the red zone when we got turnovers from the defense."
The running back is fighting for a new contract. With Langford's success, it is hard to see that deal coming from the Bears. Forte's resume certainly speaks for itself, but with a younger and cheaper back behind him the Bears could easily move on.
