Following up on an item in this week's Team Notes. ... For the second time this week, head coach Lovie Smith has sounded an optimistic note when discussing Matt Forte’s ankle injury.
Although Forte was sidelined at practice today, Smith said Forte is “making progress.” Earlier in the week, Smith said reports that Forte’s injury was a high ankle sprain were incorrect, although he didn’t offer any more detail about Forte’s status than that.
It's worth noting, however, that Chicago Tribune beat writer Brad Biggs independently confirmed the fact it's not a high sprain.
Nonetheless, as Profootballtalk.com's Michael David Smith notes, Michael Bush is expected to start on Sunday against the Rams, while Forte sits out. Smith said the Bears are confident that they won’t miss much offensively with Bush in the lineup in place of Forte.
“Mike’s a good player,” Smith said. “We said when we brought him in we were bringing in a starting tailback that we added to the mix. For us, it’s the next guy up. Hopefully Matt won’t be out long, but we feel comfortable with Mike while he’s gone.”
While it's safe to assume Forte will sit this one out, the door appears to be open to a return sooner than originally expected.
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