Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsWednesday, August 5, 2026

NFL Inactives, Bears Vs. Cowboys: Matt Forte returns, Earl Bennett sits for Chicago

Chicago Bears wideout Earl Bennett is inactive on Monday as running back Matt Forte returns against Dallas, while Cowboys linebacker Anthony Spencer sits out with a strained pectoral muscle.

The Chicago Bears won't have wide receiver Earl Bennett and defensive tackle Matt Toeaina, among others, on Monday night as they face the Dallas Cowboys, but they will be able to take solace in the return of running back Matt Forte. The team just released its list of inactives for Monday's game, and while Forte isn't on it, Bennett and Toeiana are.

Bennett has been fairly quiet so far this season since the team acquired new receivers in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, but the Bears' offense hasn't really gotten going yet. In the first three games of 2012, Bennett caught just six passes for 82 yards, but he'll be sitting out on Monday with a hand injury.

Forte’s return is big news for the Bears, as the team obviously looks better with one of its primary playmakers on the field. The running back has battled a lot of injuries over the past year, but he’s active and playing on Monday after sitting out last week.

Linebacker Anthony Spencer is the primary absence for Dallas on Monday night as the former first round pick sits out with a strained pectoral muscle. Victor Butler is expected to start at outside linebacker in Spencer's place against the Bears.

Bears

WR Earl Bennett
DT Matt Toeaina
OT Chris Williams
FB Evan Rodriguez
DE Cheta Ozougwu
OL Edwin Williams
DT Nate Collins

Cowboys

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

See More:
The trial of Tony RomoThe trial of Tony Romo
By Ryan Van Bibber
Cowboys fans unhappy with MNF performanceCowboys fans unhappy with MNF performance
By Avinash Kunnath
Rob Ryan (Expletive Deleted)Rob Ryan (Expletive Deleted)
By Kenneth Arthur