Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte is active for the team's season finale against the Detroit Lions despite dealing with a back injury that sidelined him for most of the last week.
Matt Forte will play in possibly his last game for the Bears
He’ll be in the lineup despite dealing with a back injury.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Forte got in limited practices this week and was listed as questionable on the injury report. He missed three games earlier this year with a knee injury. Through 12 games, Forte has 822 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 201 carries, adding 41 catches for 355 yards and an additional two touchdowns.
Forte becomes a free agent after the season and is not expected to re-sign with the Bears, who have been grooming rookie Jeremy Langford as their running back of the future. Langford has shown some bright spots in limited action this year, rushing for 523 yards and six touchdowns. He and Forte have been in an even committee, which is expected to continue in Week 17.
Forte has been a fixture in Chicago since the Bears made him a second-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. He has 8,526 rushing yards in eight seasons, which ranks sixth among active players. The veteran still has some gas left in the tank, but he’s now 30 years old and was slowed by injuries. It’s possible that whatever team signs him next will use him in a committee role to keep him fresh.
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