Matt Forte said after he injured his right ankle for the third time this season last Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals that he planned on playing in the Bears' regular-season finale in Detroit against the hated Lions.
Things continue to look that way.
Forte practiced on a limited basis Thursday after behind a held out a day earlier. Forte is nine yards shy from reaching 1,000 rushing yards.
"[He's] making a lot of progress," coach Lovie Smith said. "[He] was able to get some reps in today. He looked pretty good. We're hopeful for him, which we thought all along. I know he's been pretty optimistic about the plan. So hopefully that will be the case."
The same can't be said about some other players.
Linebacker Brian Urlacher (hamstring), safety Chris Conte (hamstring), running back Armando Allen (knee) and special-teams standout Blake Constanzo (calf) were held out of practice again.
Smith called Allen's status "a concern."
"I assumed he would be able to go today, but he wasn't," he said.
Cornerback Charles Tillman (ribs/elbow) practiced on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday. Defensive tackle Henry Melton (collarbone) took part in some drills for the second straight day.
"If a guy practices on a limited basis, that's a good thing," Smith said. "There's a chance."
Right tackle Jonathan Scott (right hamstring) also fully practiced. He was inactive against the Cardinals.
Good news. Forte generally does well against the Lions, and the Bears need all the help they can get. i expect the Lions to go all out in this game and make it a tough, physical contest. Keeping Cutler protected is key, and a punishjing running game helps greatly in that regard. Nice too, that Forte can bust the 1,000 yard mark again.