Forte (ankle) In vs. Seahawks; Will He Be an Impact?

Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

The Chicago Bears offense wouldn’t be anywhere without their star running back Matt Forte.  So when he left Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings with an ankle injury, the Bears playoff hopes were in limbo.  Fortunately, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that Forte expects to play against the Seattle Seahawks.

Forte injured his ankle in a pileup in the third quarter of Sunday’s game that resulted in the 26-year-old running back limping off the field.  He was taken into the locker room by the medical staff for further evaluation.  During practice this week, he was limited to non-contact drills, but was cleared to play on Thursday versus the Seahawks.

ctill, the Bears shouldn’t necessarily count on a 100 percent healthy Forte against a stealthy Seahawks defense, which just so happens to rank in the top half of the NFL in rushing yards allowed (108.5 yards per game).  And they have more incentive to knock off a top-tier playoff team considering they currently control their own playoff fate.  Though, they might be short-handed if defensive end Red Bryant and linebacker Leroy Hill are expected to be game-time decisions.

Ankle injuries are not so cut and dry though.  If there’s even a limp from Forte out of another pile up, be sure that the Bears will move forward with their sturdy backup Michael Bush.

So who’s got the edge?

The Bears are fortunate to play the Seahawks away from home, where they are a miserable 1-5.  Combine that with a struggling Marshawn Lynch, who only ran for 46 yards on 19 carries last week, and this game could be blown open by the Bears.

The only unknown is how productive quarterback Russell Wilson can be against a stubborn Bears defense.  The team has posted 30 sacks this season (which ranks fifth in the NFL) and has posted a league-leading seven interception returns for touchdowns.  But still, Wilson has been a productive pocket passer, leading his team to a respectable 6-5 record.

Prediction: The Bears will continue to their dominating campaign with Jay Cutler under center and a one-two punch in Forte and Bush in the backfield.