The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... Agent Adisa Bakari took an exception to a report that the Bears are concerned about how Forte's knees will hold up, as they try to sign the Pro Bowl running back to a long-term deal. "Matt Forte is among the most, if not the most, durable, all-purpose running back in the NFL," Bakari said. "The 2011 season was the first season of his career that he missed any games. Had the Bears been play-off contenders, he could have returned for the balance of the season. To question his durability at this stage in his career is absurd."

Diehards Line:And the already contentious and public negotiations between the Bears and their franchise player continue to be contentious and public. We suspect this trend to continue further. Indeed, with neither side appearing to be interested in backing down from their current positions, we also continue to believe this is the contract situation that's going to get the ugliest. That's a lot of continuation. There's even more when you toss in that fact the unresolved contract situation will continue to muddy Forte's Fantasy value until we get some clarity on his regular-season status. Do not hold your breath waiting.