Lake Forest, IL (Sports Network) - Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte
appears on track to play in Sunday's regular-season finale at Detroit despite
injuring his right ankle in the team's most recent outing.
Forte exited last Sunday's 28-13 win at Arizona in the third quarter due to
the ailment, but was a full participant in Friday's practice after putting in
a limited session on Thursday. He was listed as probable on the team's
official injury report.
The 2011 Pro Bowl selection rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown on just 12
carries against the Cardinals and enters Sunday's matchup nine yards shy of a
third career 1,000-yard campaign.
In other team news, middle linebacker Brian Urlacher returned to practice on
Friday, though the veteran standout is not expected to be active against the
Lions. Urlacher, who hasn't played since Dec. 2 because of a Grade 2 hamstring
strain, was declared doubtful for Sunday's tilt.
Chicago will also be without starting safety Chris Conte, who injured his
hamstring in the Arizona game. Defensive tackle Henry Melton, named to the NFC
Pro Bowl squad on Wednesday, is questionable to face the Lions but was listed
as a full participant in Friday's practice.
Pro Bowl cornerbacks Charles Tillman (ribs/elbow) and Tim Jennings (shoulder)
are probable for Sunday's key clash, in which the Bears would clinch the NFC's
final wild card berth with a victory combined with a Minnesota loss to Green
Bay.
The Sports Network