We don’t know if Steven Jackson will play, but the Rams-Bears game is going to be down at least one starting tailback.
The Bears have ruled out Matt Forte for Sunday’s matchup with St. Louis because of the ankle sprain that Forte suffered against the Packers last Thursday night. There have been optimistic reports about Forte out of Chicago all week and the extra time between games seemed to work in his favor, but he was never well enough to practice with the team this week.
The Bears play in Dallas next Monday night, giving Forte a little bit more time to get his ankle in order. The Bears haven’t laid out any timetable for his return. Michael Bush will start at running back in Forte’s place for the Bears, who are otherwise healthy heading into this week’s game. Bush isn’t worried about the change in his job profile for this weekend’s game or any others that might require him to step into the first team.
“It’s just playing football,” Bush said, via Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune. “It’s a role I’ve been in. I’m used to it. I don’t get too excited about it. I just make sure I’m doing my job.”
The Bears re-signed Kahlil Bell this week to insure themselves against Forte’s potential absence, although it looks like Armando Allen is in line to be Bush’s backup against the Rams.