The Facts: Appearing at a charity event, the franchise-tagged Forte stiff-armed reporters about his still-tenuous contract situation, but admitted the obvious: He will have to play for the Bears this season. "I don't think I really have a choice, do I?" he said. "Yeah, I'll be here."

Diehards Line:When he'll be there is the question, though most believe he'll be in training camp. ... If he signs the franchise tender, Forte will make $7.749 million this season. Forte and the Bears have until July 16 to agree on a multiyear deal, which they've been haggling about for more than a year with two general managers. Training camp begins July 26. "I'm excited to get in there and talk to Mr. (Jeremy) Bates and get in there with Jay (Cutler) and see what he thinks about the passing game, and see how I can get involved in that, too," he said. Forte said with Mike Tice promoted to OC, the principles of the running game will be similar to last year, when he averaged 4.9 yards per carry, running for 997 yards, but only three touchdowns. ... Stay tuned. We'll continue to follow up.