Lovie Smith eyes Matt Forte return

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Lovie Smith eyes Matt Forte return

Updated: September 24, 2012, 2:32 PM ET
ESPNChicago.com

Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith said the team is "hopeful" Matt Forte will play on Oct. 1 against the Dallas Cowboys on "Monday Night Football" after missing one game with an ankle injury.

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"He made a lot of progress last week, and we have an extra day also, so that should help," Smith told WBBM-AM 780 on Monday. "We're just hopeful that he'll be able to go. If not, our running backs, not only Michael Bush (Sunday), but Kahlil Bell and Armando Allen all did a good job. But we hope we'll get our stud running back back."

Forte suffered a right ankle sprain against the Green Bay Packers and did not practice last week before being ruled out of the Bears' 23-6 victory over the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.

Bush started in place of Forte on Sunday and rushed for 55 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown. Bell, who was re-signed after Forte was injured, rushed for 20 yards on 10 carries.

Yeah, good to hear he will be back soon...his blocking skills are sorely needed. (saw a few missed blocks by Bush this week)

im expecting he will be back after the bye week

I'm thinking this announcement now, is strategically done to force the Cowboys to gameplan for Forte more-so than as a press release for hopeful Bear fans.

If there is any doubt in his condition, then I would advocate waiting to bring him back.

no need to rush him in. Give him his time and play him when he is ready.

the high ankle sprain that the Bears say he does not have will ironically keep him out as long as a high ankle sprain usually does.

We can win without him. Not all the time, and not against GREAT teams, but we still have enough to have a more-than-fighting chance.