Bears expecting Matt Forte, Alshon Jeffery back against Packers

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The Bears were without two of their offensive linchpins — running back Matt Forte (knee) and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (groin, shoulder) — in last Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos. On the week’s only near-full practice on Tuesday, both were limited but afterwards both gave strong indications that they will be on the field together for only the fourth time in 2015, and that includes the first Green Bay game in which Jeffery didn’t start and was not at full strength.

“I definitely do want to be out there,” said Jeffery, also voicing his irritation at the mauling the Bears endured at the hands of the Packers last year. “At the same time, if the training staff sees how I feel and I don’t feel too well, I won’t be out there. If I’m feeling well, I’ll play.”

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Forte was more definitive about his level of participation and about his status for Sunday.

“It was more of a ... not a full-full practice, but I was running full speed because I wanted to get the feeling and timing of making cuts and doing all that stuff,” Forte said. “I did that before the pre-game on Sunday as well and I felt good. I’m good enough to go.”

Signs were less encouraging for wide receiver Eddie Royal (knee) and running back Ka’Deem Carey (concussion). The defense was jolted last week when safety Antrel Rolle suffered a knee injury in Friday's practice and Chris Prosinki was propelled into the starting lineup against the Broncos.

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Rolle did not practice on Tuesday and is not expected to play Thursday.

“It was unusual for a guy to go down late on a Friday afternoon but Chris was ready to go and did a commendable job,” defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. “That’s just the way it is. All 32 teams have next-man-up mantras so one man’s problem is another man’s opportunity.

“We’ll see how Chris does this week for the second time.”

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