FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 5/22/2013 12:46am et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte did not participate in OTAs Tuesday, May 21. Forte is taking part in a two-day USO tour and is visiting troops in Germany.

Huddle Up: No worries about Forte who could use the time away after recording at least 255 touches in each of his 5 NFL seasons.

Posted: 5/15/2013 1:03pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte is preparing for a bigger role in the passing game this season.

Huddle Up: Forte has always been a yardage hound; since entering the league only Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, and Ray Rice have more yards from scrimmage. And Marc Trestman's WCO-based offense features plenty of throwing to the backs, which will play to Forte's... uh, forte. Just don't expect a bunch of touchdowns and you'll be fine.

Posted: 12/28/2012 6:29pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 28, and is probable for Week 17.

Huddle Up: Bears and Forte fantasy owners can breathe a sigh of relief after Forte injured his ankle last week. The Bears must win and need help to get into the playoffs, and doing it without their top two running backs would have severely increased the difficulty. Even so, Forte has had trouble scoring touchdowns this season; he is not a great fantasy option.

Posted: 12/27/2012 10:56pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 27.

Huddle Up: Thursday was a good step forward for Forte, who was unable to do anything at all in practice Wednesday. His fantasy owners need to see if the progression continues Friday.

Posted: 12/26/2012 4:09pm et

Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler said Wednesday, Dec. 26, RB Matt Forte (ankle) appears to be walking around the team's facility fine and is optimistic he will play in Week 17.

Huddle Up: Forte has played through injury before, but not terribly effectively. Considering Khalil Bell was only brought back because of Michael Bush's injury, the Bears need all the help they can get in trying to reach the postseason. Whether or not Forte does anything for your fantasy team is a different matter, but the matchup isn't bad.

Posted: 12/24/2012 11:46am et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte said he expects to play in the team's Week 17 game. Forte injured his right ankle for the third time this season in Week 16.

Huddle Up: With Michael Bush on IR the Bears are down to a gimpy Forte and recently re-signed Kahlil Bell. It might not take much more than that to beat the Lions, but it's a situation worth keeping an eye on if you're banking on Forte's help in a meaningful Week 17 fantasy game.

Posted: 12/23/2012 8:31pm et

Updating a previous report, Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) was wearing a walking boot after suffering a right ankle injury during the Week 16 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Huddle Up: Forte came up gimpy in the third quarter on his right ankle that has given him trouble twice before this season. Before leaving and getting replaced by Kalil Bell, Forte rushed for 88 yards and a TD -- his best rushing performance since Week 9. Forte owners now know the drill: Monitoring practice reports all week leading up to the Week 17 finale vs. the Lions.

Posted: 12/19/2012 11:04pm et

Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice said the team could use newly re-signed RB Kahlil Bell in short-yardage and goal-line situations in Week 16 in place of RB Matt Forte. RB Michael Bush (ribs) is out for the season.

Huddle Up: As the goalline back, Bell obviously would see his fantasy value jump as Bush had 5 rushing scores in 13 games prior to his injury. Forte, meanwhile, was stymied at the goalline in Week 15 as he tried to punch in his first rushing TD since Week 9. Overall, Forte only has 3 rushing scores this season -- matching his 2011 total.

Posted: 11/30/2012 7:27pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 30, and is probable for Week 13.

Huddle Up: Forte participated in every practice this week, and barring a last-minute setback, will play Sunday. Don't expect a full workload, though, as Michael Bush will at least get his usual share of touches in the contest.

Posted: 11/29/2012 7:58pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) said he plans on playing in Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks. He put in limited work in practice for the second straight day.

Huddle Up: It's looking good for Forte on Sunday, but Michael Bush's fantasy owners need not get too concerned as their RB figures to get plenty of work as well with Forte figuring to be at less than full strength.

Posted: 11/28/2012 11:39pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) was able to practice on a limited basis Wednesday, and offensive coordinator Mike Tice said the RB looked 'fine.'

Huddle Up: Forte's fantasy owners have to be pleased to hear that the RB was on the field for the first practice of the week, but he'll still need to show more before getting a green light for Week 13.

Posted: 11/27/2012 1:07pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte's (ankle) injury isn't expected to affect him long term, but his status is in question for Week 13.

Huddle Up: Forte's ankle is the same one he injured earlier in the season. That ailment sidelined him for a week, and that could be the case again this time around.

Posted: 11/25/2012 5:56pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte left in the third quarter of Week 12's game because of an ankle injury and did not return.

Huddle Up: Forte missed Week 3 due to an ankle injury, and it now appears he's dealing with another one. Before the injury, Forte ran for only 42 yards, caught 2 passes for 4 yards and lost a fumble. Michael Bush, who usually spells Forte, took over full-time duties and shined on the stat sheet with 60 rushing yards and a pair of TDs.

Posted: 11/1/2012 12:09pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte is averaging 18.8 touches per game this season as opposed to 23 touches per game through seven games in 2011.

Huddle Up: This should come as no surprise; the Bears added Michael Bush in the offseason to take some of Forte's workload. But Forte has been just as effective in the reduced touches, and the hope is he'll be fresher as the Bears head into the second half of the season.

Posted: 10/20/2012 12:35pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte has been successful against the Detroit Lions in his career, with 678 rushing yards on 135 attempts and four touchdowns in eight games.

Huddle Up: Forte owners have been suffering since week one, and a likely big game against the Lions on Monday night will surely be welcomed.

Posted: 10/6/2012 12:01am et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) practiced in full Friday, Oct. 5, and is probable for Week 5.

Huddle Up: Forte made it back from a 1-game absence to play Monday night, gaining 49 yards on 14 touches. As long as he avoids a reaggravation, look for more production, starting Sunday in Jacksonville.

Posted: 10/4/2012 12:11pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte is expected to play in the team's Week 5 game. Forte is dealing with some ankle soreness but made it out of Week 4 in relatively good shape, according to head coach Lovie Smith. Offensive coordinator Mike Tice feels Forte will get stronger moving forward. "Someone fell on his ankle on the first play, and you're like, 'Oh, great.' But he bounced back and fought through it," Tice said. "He's just going to continue to get better, and then we'll be able to do all the things we want to do."

Huddle Up: Forte may not be 100 percent but he should get plenty healthy with a favorable matchup against Jacksonville this weekend.

Posted: 10/3/2012 7:30pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday, Oct. 3.

Huddle Up: He said he felt normal soreness after the game on Monday night, so this seems like it is merely precautionary. Unless his status worsens throughout the week, start with confidence against the Jaguars.

Posted: 10/3/2012 2:08pm et

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith said RB Matt Forte (ankle) came out of the team's Week 4 game with nothing more than normal soreness.

Huddle Up: This is excellent news for his owners, who might have held their breath when Forte limped off the field after his first touch on Monday night. He came back to have a decent output considering his expectations. Forte has a pretty good matchup this week against the Jaguars; start with confidence, assuming there are no injury flare-ups.

Posted: 10/2/2012 12:26am et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte carried 13 times for a game-high 52 yards and caught one pass for a loss of 3 yards in his team's 34-18 romp over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football.

Huddle Up: Forte made his return from a sprained ankle that kept him out of Week 3. He looked a bit gimpy at times but played through to log 13 of the Bears' 28 rushing attempts. Still, Forte wasn't the multi-dimensional back fantasy owners are used to seeing, particularly in passing game where he was targeted only once. Still, Forte appeared to get through the game OK and only figures to get healthier going forward.

Posted: 10/1/2012 8:51pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) is active for the team's Week 4 game against the Dallas Cowboys Monday, Oct. 1.

Huddle Up: Expect Forte and No. 2 back to split the workload Monday night, diminishing the fantasy values for both players.

Posted: 10/1/2012 1:54pm et

Updating a previous report, Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) is expected to play Week 4 unless he has a setback before the game.

Huddle Up: All systems are go for his Monday Night Football matchup against the Cowboys.

Posted: 10/1/2012 11:05am et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte will be a game-time decision for Week 4, head coach Lovie Smith said Monday, Oct. 1. "It's a game-time decision for Matt. He's made a lot of progress," Smith said. "We'll get over to the stadium see how he does then and decide."

Huddle Up: If you're still able to make a lineup decision at this point... well, looks like you'll have to wait for the pregame to see if Forte is active or not. Michael Bush would be in line to handle the bulk of the workload if Forte can't go, with a little Kahlil Bell mixed in as well.

Posted: 9/29/2012 6:33pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) is listed as questionable for Week 4.

Huddle Up: Again, no real insight as to Forte's status for Monday night. Unless you have a dearth of starting RB options, it might be best to look elsewhere considering the uncertainty and the Monday night kickoff.

Posted: 9/28/2012 6:52pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) was limited during practice Friday, Sept. 28.

Huddle Up: Forte has been on the practice field all week and his possible return muddles the Bears' fantasy RB situation, especially with the team not playing until Monday night in Dallas. If you own Forte and/or Michael Bush, it might be best to roll with another option this week while seeing how this plays out.

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:55am et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 27.

Huddle Up: That Forte is practicing at all is a positive sign. However, the Bears play Monday night and you may not know by Sunday about his availability for this week. Don't plan on him in Week 4, but Forte owners have to be excited about his imminent return.

Posted: 9/21/2012 6:25pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) has been ruled out of the team's Week 3 game.

Huddle Up: As expected, Forte is out which means Michael Bush should be in all fantasy starting lineups this week facing a Rams' defense ranked 20th in fantasy points allowed to opposing RBs.

Posted: 9/19/2012 6:29pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Huddle Up: Forte reportedly is ahead of schedule in rehabbing his sprained ankle suffered Sept. 13 against the Packers, but no one is expecting him to play Sunday against the Rams. Consequently, look for a heavy dose of Michael Bush.

Posted: 9/15/2012 6:07pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) could be out of the lineup for two to six weeks after suffering a sprained ankle in Week 2.

Huddle Up: By most accounts, Forte has a dreaded high-ankle sprain and could be out until midseason. Michael Bush was a key offseason signing, and he'll step right in and handle the starting RB chores, but Forte's pass-receiving ability out of the backfield can't be replaced as he ranks second on the squad with 7 catches for 89 yards.

Posted: 9/14/2012 11:46am et

Updating previous reports, Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2.

Huddle Up: The early word on Forte is 4-6 weeks, which makes Michael Bush an even more valuable fantasy commodity over the next month-plus.

Posted: 9/13/2012 10:46pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte departed early in the third quarter of Thursday night's game in Green Bay with an ankle injury. A sideline report from the NFL Network telecast said Forte's return was "doubtful."

Huddle Up: Forte was injured as he was being brought down on a pass reception. Until the injury, the versatile RB had 7 carries for 31 yards and a team-leading 4 catches for 49 yards. Michael Bush, who has been sharing carries with Forte, is now shouldering the extra workload.

Posted: 8/5/2012 7:43pm et

Updating previous reports, Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith said RB Matt Forte (thumb) briefly left practice Sunday, Aug. 5, because of a thumb injury but everything is fine.

Huddle Up: Bears fans and Forte owners in keeper leagues are certainly hoping this is the case. The multi-talented Chicago RB has a new contract in place and is ready to put the injury-capped 2011 season behind him. If Forte were to miss time this season, the Bears have a strong backup plan in place with the signing of free- agent Michael Bush, but Forte is the man and he figures to once again be a top-10 RB selection in fantasy drafts.

Posted: 7/17/2012 1:27am et

Updating a previous report, Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte will receive a little more than $18 million in guaranteed money as part of his four-year contract.

Huddle Up: It's big money for sure but then again, time-sharing RB DeAngelo Williams got $21 million guaranteed last year. Lawless RB Marshawn Lynch got $18 million guaranteed a few months ago. Neither has a resume that rivals Forte's. At least he and the Bears got it done. His ADP will climb back into the late first-round, after lagging behind DeMarco Murray and Darren McFadden lately, somewhere around pick 2.03 to 2.06.

Posted: 7/16/2012 1:13pm et

The Chicago Bears and franchise free-agent RB Matt Forte have agreed to a four-year deal. The deal will average about $8 million per year.

Huddle Up: The Bears lock up their best offensive weapon, and Forte doesn't have to play under the one-year franchise tag. And Forte's fantasy owners can stop worrying about a holdout--and start concerning themselves with just how big a bite Michael Bush is going to take out of Forte's touches.

Posted: 7/13/2012 2:28pm et

The Chicago Bears have made considerable progress with RB Matt Forte in contract talks. There are still issues to hash out regarding the average per year on the deal over the first three years, and how it could compare to comparable running backs.

Huddle Up: The deadline for franchise players to sign long-term deals is Monday afternoon, and at present the two sides seem on course to reach an agreement prior to that. Forte has said he won't hold out, but he could hold off on signing the franchise tag until just before the start of the season and avoid much of training camp.

Posted: 6/30/2012 3:55pm et

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte made it clear Friday, June 29, that he will play for the team this season. "I don't think I really have a choice, do I?," Forte said. "Yeah, I'll be here." It is uncertain if that means he'll report to training camp when it starts, and he was evasive when asked if he would be on time. If Forte signs the franchise tender, he would make $7.749 million this season. Forte and the Bears have until July 16 to work out a multi-year deal.

Huddle Up: It doesn't sound as if Forte and the Bears have made much progress towards a long-term deal, and Forte doesn't have to sign the franchise tender until just before the season starts so it wouldn't be a surprise if he misses a good chunk of training camp. Any camp time Forte misses gives Michael Bush an opportunity to earn a larger share of the workload, so he's still a somewhat risky fantasy pick until he signs either the tender or a new contract.

Posted: 6/26/2012 5:05am et

Chicago Bears franchise free-agent RB Matt Forte indicated he would like a deal similar to the ones Philadelphia Eagles RB LeSean McCoy and Houston Texans RB Arian Foster signed this offseason. McCoy signed a five-year deal worth $45 million with $20.7 million in guaranteed money. Foster signed a four-year deal worth $41 million with $20.5 million in guaranteed money.

Huddle Up: Though Forte's nine months older than Foster and two-and-a-half years older than McCoy, he deserves a deal right on par with them. He's an extremely productive three-down back. It's not rocket science.

Posted: 6/23/2012 4:58pm et

Updating a previous report, Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte said Friday, June 22, that a holdout is possible, although he feels "optimistic" he and the team can get a long-term deal done before the July 16 deadline. "A lot of fans don't appreciate when guys hold out and stuff like that," Forte said. "But if it's a player and that is his leverage, he has to use it. As a team, they're going to use their leverage when they're negotiating against you. Not playing at all? That actually is an option, but there's a slight chance of that happening. There's another option of not being in camp and that stuff."

Huddle Up: While earlier reports indicated that talks between the Bears and Forte were progressing, the default at this juncture appears to be a holdout. Given the Bears' history of stinginess a Forte holdout should be built into his fantasy rankings; if he does show up for training camp, he'll climb back into the mid-first round.

Posted: 6/23/2012 1:02am et

Chicago Bears franchise free-agent RB Matt Forte said long-term contract talks with the Bears have progressed this offseason.

Huddle Up: Finally, some positive news on the Forte front. Still waiting to see him show up at training camp, but now there's at least a little less risk involved in spending a first-round fantasy pick on Forte.

Posted: 6/16/2012 12:24pm et

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith said he expects franchise free-agent RB Matt Forte to arrive for training camp. "Can't wait to get down to training camp, to get a few more of our guys back out there in the mix," Smith said, mentioning, "Brian Urlacher, get Matt Forte back out there, those guys."

Huddle Up: Good optimism from Lovie, but at this juncture Forte is the leading candidate for a holdout. He played the good soldier last year, carried a heavy workload, banged up his knee... and the Bears couldn't have cared less. With Michael Bush on the roster Chicago can get by at running back, and the Bears' long-standing tradition of tossing nickels around like manhole covers doesn't bode well for Forte getting the contract he deserves.

Posted: 6/8/2012 12:23am et

Chicago Bears franchise free-agent RB Matt Forte said Wednesday, June 6, that he's not looking to be the NFL's highest-paid running back, but seeking a long-term contract commiserate with his standing among other players around the league at his position. 'All you can ask for is respect, and you go out there and you do your best to earn it. Respect isn't given to anybody,' Forte said. 'You've got to earn it out there. So the way I go about playing the game, preparing for it and the way I play, I feel I have earned the respect.'

Huddle Up: Forte has earned the respect. Okay, let's break down the numbers once and for all. Eagles RB LeSean McCoy got his extension last month -- five years, $45 million, $20.7m guaranteed -- and is now the third highest-paid RB behind Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson. Forte is worthy of the same money McCoy got, right? However, Forte and his agent might be focusing on DeAngelo Williams' 2011 contract instead. He got five years, $43m with $21m guaranteed, just a tad less than McCoy's total package... and Williams was 28 years old! Forte's only 26 and has a stronger "feature back" resume. However, the sticking point is Forte's sprained MCL last year. If he hadn't got hurt this contract would have been done two months ago. Up until last December Forte was the most durable running back in the NFC, year after year. The two sides have until July 16 to agree on a contract or Forte must play under the $7.7 million franchise tender.

Posted: 6/6/2012 7:19pm et

Chicago Bears LB Lance Briggs said he is not upset with franchise free-agent RB Matt Forte for not participating in offseason workouts because he has gone through what Forte is a few years ago. 'It's just rough. I know he wants to be out here with his team,' Briggs said. 'But you also know what your value is in this league and you work hard. You want that to be recognized with a long-term deal. You know how this business is. It's rough. It can be brutal.'

Huddle Up: Briggs knows all about contract negotiations because he's had his deal torn up and re-done twice in four years. The difference between Briggs and Forte is that Briggs was (is) a complainer, and he even demanded a trade a week before the 2011 season began.

Posted: 5/28/2012 2:44am et

The Chicago Bears have not signed franchise free-agent RB Matt Forte to a long-term contract at this point in part because they are worried about whether his knees will hold up moving forward. The team is worried that Forte could develop arthritis in the knees.

Huddle Up: Sounds like the Bears are floating a test excuse for their traditional stinginess, though the league as a whole is trending towards treating backs as disposable commodities. The upshot is that the impasse between the Bears and Forte appears headed towards an extended holdout. Move Michael Bush up your cheat sheets accordingly.

Posted: 5/25/2012 10:19pm et

Chicago Bears LB Brian Urlacher said he and his teammates hope franchise free-agent RB Matt Forte gets a long-term contract this offseason but is not optimistic about that happening. Urlacher said he thinks Forte will be with the team when the season begins even if he does not get a new deal.

Huddle Up: Ricky O'Donnell of SBNation.com wrote: "The Bears have all the leverage. They placed the franchise tag on Forte earlier this offseason, which the running back has yet to sign. And while Forte may want more long-term security, the team is well within their right to stick the tag on Forte, which will pay him over $7 million next season."