LAKE FOREST, ILL. — Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith said he expects running back Matt Forte to return this season from a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
Smith said Forte “looked pretty good” Monday, but the coach wouldn’t put a timetable on the running back’s return. Chances are Forte will miss a few games, although he played through a similar injury in 2009.
“Can’t tell you exactly when or whether it’s this week or next week or whatever, but hopefully we’ll get him back soon,” Smith said.
Forte was injured in the first quarter of Sunday’s 10-3 loss to Kansas City and left the game. Chicago was already missing quarterback Jay Cutler, who is out indefinitely with a broken right thumb.
Smith said the Bears won’t bring in a veteran quarterback even though former Colorado State star Caleb Hanie is struggling, rebuffing speculation they’ll sign Donovan McNabb or the retired Brett Favre.
“We’re not looking on the outside,” Smith said. “We’re not having a quarterback tryout or anything like that.”
Against the Chiefs, Hanie struggled again, throwing three interceptions for the second straight week. He got sacked seven times and posted a 23.8 rating for the game.
Smith also dismissed a report that offensive coordinator Mike Martz will be gone after the season, saying, “If there is a change that would be made, I’ll be making it. I definitely haven’t discussed that with anyone.”
Martz reportedly turned down a one-year contract extension after last season’s run to the NFC championship game, and he has an expiring contract. His name has been linked to openings at UCLA and Arizona State.
With Forte out, Marion Barber and Kahlil Bell figure to carry the load Sunday against the Broncos.
The Associated Press
