Bears running back Matt Forte has a sprained MCL. It’s reportedly a Grade 2 tear, which will knock him out for as few as two weeks, and as many as six.
Regardless of the duration of his absence, Forte says he won’t return until he’s 100 percent.
“I’m just treating it, just like any other injury. I’m going to wait until I get 100 percent out there, because I don’t want to hurt myself,” Forte told Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times. “And me not being a 100 percent, I’m going to hurt he team as well, because I cant do what I’m supposed to do.”
Forte told Jensen that the tailback has received a platelet-rich plasma injection, in the hopes of speeding the healing process. Ultimately, he’s balancing a desire to get back on the field against protecting his health.
“I’m not saying I’m holding out, but I’m also not saying I’m going to try to go out there tomorrow and try to run,” Forte said.
Asked whether he’ll be back this season, Forte said, “I have no idea.”
His contract has been an issue throughout the 2011 season. It expires in March, and the Bears are expected to apply the franchise tag, if a long-term deal can’t be negotiated. Now that Forte is injured, some wonder whether he’ll milk the situation until the Bears sign him to a new contract. Others believe he should.