Matt Forte returns to Bears practice on limited basis
 |
| Bears RB Matt Forte says he'll be ready to play Monday vs. Dallas. (US Presswire) |
Running back Matt Forte returned to the field Wednesday for the first time since his ankle sprain against the Green Bay Packers Sept. 13.
Backup Michael Bush also practiced despite leaving the game against St. Louis early following a big hit. He had 18 carries in that contest, but only four in the second half.
Forte only went through individual drills, but the practice was a short one because the team does not play again until Monday night at Dallas. Based on the extra day off and his current health, Forte thought he would be able to play in the next game.
"I went through all the routes and everything. I can sprint," he said. "So I'll be good to go."
Coach Lovie Smith wasn't quite as optimistic, saying, "We have said he's making progress every day, which he is, and it's no more than that. But I would hold off on ... he's got a long ways to go still, but he is making progress and hopefully we can get him out there."
Forte said he expected to come back this soon all along, although initial reports had called it a high ankle sprain.
"Based on how it was reacting to the ankle injury last week, I didn't really swell up in the ankle," he said. "That's the big part when you have ankle injuries and the swelling is big. It takes a long time to beat it out. But I didn't really swell up so I felt like I'd be back pretty soon."
Forte used an ARP machine (accelerated recovery and performance) he borrowed from CB Charles Tillman to assist in his recovery. It's a type of hyperbaric chamber.
"I don't sleep in at night," he said. "I just get in it for a couple hours. The pure oxygen is supposed to help heal faster. So I just do that."
"I don't sleep in at night," he said. "I just get in it for a couple hours. The pure oxygen is supposed to help heal faster. So I just do that."
The Bears had brought in RB Ryan Grant, who signed with Washington, for a workout Tuesday and took a look at Steve Slaton and Jacob Hester as alternatives if they needed another running back.
Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter: @CBSBears.
