Bears RB Forte expected to play Monday

Dec 19, 2008 - 3:04 PM LAKE FOREST, Illinois (Ticker) -- The Chicago Bears expect to have running back Matt Forte in the lineup for Monday's showdown with the Green Bay Packers.

Forte is dealing with an injured right toe and did not practice Thursday.

However, Bears coach Lovie Smith said that Forte will return to practice Friday and expects to have the rookie running back available against the Packers (5-9), as the Bears (8-6) attempt to stay relevant in the NFC playoff picture.

Forte suffered the injury on the first play from scrimmage against New Orleans on December 11.

After leaving the game to be evaluated in the locker room, he returned but rushed for a season-low 34 yards on 11 carries.

Forte is eighth in the NFL with 1,115 yards and seven touchdowns on 280 carries.