Matt Forte injury update and Michael Bush’s fantasy football value

Sept 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) is stopped by Green Bay Packers defenders during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

Last night in the middle of a surprisingly offensively-challenged Thursday Night Football game, the Bears and Fantasy Football owners may have suffered a huge loss. Matt Forte went out with a seemingly inconspicuous ankle injury. The latest from Adam Schefter though says Forte may be dealing with the dreaded high ankle sprain.

[blackbirdpie url="http://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/246570710573670400"]

Last night the Bears were tight-lipped on the issue with Lovie Smith saying “We don’t know right now, but he couldn’t finish the game.” Forte is a huge part of the Bears offensive gameplan and is a top 7 RB who could be missing for significant time. We should know more in the next few days but high ankle sprains typically take about four to six weeks to heal depending on the severity.

Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears running back Michael Bush (29) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

For as long as Forte is sidelined, the Bears offense will take a different shape with an entirely different focal point.Michael Bush was signed this offseason to rotate Forte for select series and replace him in the event of an injury like this. Last night, Bush rushed 14 times for 54 yards mostly after Forte departed in the third quarter. If he is on waiver wires in your league, go get him immediately.

If Forte has a high ankle sprain there’s little chance he’d return any earlier than the Bears week 6 bye meaning that Bush would be in line for heavy carries against the Rams, Cowboys, and Jaguars. In those three matchups, Bush is a top 15 back easily.

Last year, when Bush filled in for Darren McFadden he rushed for more than 95 yards four games in a row highlighted by a 157 yard rushing-85 yard receiving game against the Chargers. He finished last year just under 1,00 yards rushing adding 37 catches and 418 yards receiving to his eight total touchdowns. Bush showed he can get the job done when given the opportunity, and it looks like opportunity is once again pounding on his door while Matt Forte recovers from his latest injury.

Look for where Bush lands in our weekly position rankings next Tuesday. Click here for our rankings to help with your lineup decisions this week.