INDIANAPOLIS -- There is a hint of gray in Matt Forte's goatee. Not enough to make you think he's old, but just enough to remind you that in NFL years he might be ready for Social Security.

Running backs don't typically age well, and when they get closer to 30 is when the end is near. But Forte was quick to note he's not there yet entering his eighth year in the league.

"I don't really wake up and look at what age I am every day. I know how old I am," Forte said Wednesday following a joint practice session with the Bears and Colts. "I don't worry what is said about running backs and being 30. I'm 29 by the way. I'm good for this year."

Forte should be good for Fantasy owners this season, and you should continue to value him as a No. 1 running back. Yes, he's getting older, and he's playing in a new system this season with Marc Trestman gone and Adam Gase now calling plays.

The hope is Forte doesn't lose too much with the change in philosophy, especially as a receiver out of the backfield. For the past two seasons under Trestman, Forte was an elite playmaker. His rushing totals were solid with consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards, but his receiving ability took him to a different level.

He had 74 catches for 594 yards and three touchdowns in 2013 and a whopping 102 catches for 808 yards and four touchdowns last year. He had over 1,800 total yards and 10 touchdowns each season, and it's the only time in his career he's reached those stats.

Forte said he's "getting adjusted" to the new coaching staff, but he doesn't expect anything to be different in terms of his production.

"I'm going to continue to work hard every day and study like I always do," he said. "When I get on the field you just want to have more positive plays than negative."

During the practice session with the Colts, Forte and the No. 1 offense for the Bears worked against the starting defensive unit for Indianapolis. He caught two passes from Jay Cutler on one drive, and word out of Chicago is Gase will continue to find ways to keep Forte involved as a receiver. I'd say 65-plus catches is definitely within reach.

The Bears need help with their receiving corps with Brandon Marshall gone, and rookie Kevin White (shin) could miss the entire season. Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett and Eddie Royal are expected to lead the receiving corps, but Forte should again play a big role.

All that being said, I'm hesitant to draft Forte in the first round, and he's my No. 8 running back in standard leagues and No. 6 in PPR. While I don't expect a tremendous falloff in his production, I'd rather draft him after some of the elite receivers like Antonio Brown, Dez Bryant, Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson and Demaryius Thomas. And that goes for PPR leagues as well.

Forte is hopeful that the end of his career isn't near, and he's entering a potential contract year this season. There still could be a big payday awaiting if he plays like he did the past two years.

Forte should have one more season of great production in 2015. He might miss Trestman and his system, but Gase should continue to put Forte in a great position to succeed.

He's worth drafting as a No. 1 running back in Round 2, and Father Time hasn't caught up to Forte just yet. Even with the hint of gray in his goatee.