The Facts:
Forte may sit out exhibition games to protect himself if he doesn't have a new contract, and now the shoddy field conditions at Soldier Field give the Bears RB another cause for concern. "I've considered not playing in the preseason games," Forte told the Tribune. "But just to make that a fact, and say 'I'm not going to,' I haven't gotten there yet."
Reported by the Chicago Tribune
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
GM Jerry Angelo said there is no timetable for the Bears to complete a contract extension for Forte, who considered a holdout before camp like the one Chris Johnson has going with the Titans but showed the Bears he's committed to a strong year and good-faith negotiations by reporting. It was a good move on his part, considering the club's policy of refusing to crunch contract numbers with holdouts. Now, Forte also has to consider the shoddy sod at Soldier Field after practice was canceled Friday because of unsafe seams in the grass, the kind that could lead to a twisted ankle or knee. Still, Forte made it clear he wouldn't just make a unilateral decision. "I have to talk to coach (Lovie Smith) and talk to Jerry and my agent (Adisa Bakari). We'd have to have a big meeting to really talk about (sitting out preseason games until a contract is complete)." The Bears were cautious with Forte in the preseason a year ago, giving him only 12 carries, and Smith said he expects Forte to participate provided he's ready. We'll see if that happens.
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