Though the initial prognosis for Matt Forte made it look like he could be back for some part of the Bears season, the star running back told ESPN Chicago that he would need to be at 100 percent. With his knee still stiff, swollen, and in pain, only the playoffs would be realistic.
"A lot of people were speculating about Christmas Day [against the Packers] and things like that," Forte said. "But my mindset is, realistically, playoffs would be the only thing that I would really have my mind set on."
This should not shock Bears fans. With the playoffs unlikely, Forte -- and Jay Cutler -- are smart to ensure that they are 100 percent before returning. Though winning every game is important, two games at the end of the season are less important when they mean nothing in the race for the postseason. The two injured stars are wise to look ahead to next season when rehabbing.
