Dec. 05--Running back Matt Forte seemed pleased Friday with how the Bears split time between himself and rookie Jeremy Langford during their Nov. 26 victory over the Packers.
In Forte's first game back from a three-game absence because of a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, he played 37 of the 67 offensive snaps, with Langford in for the other 30.
"I was fresh pretty much the (whole) game," Forte said after practice Friday.
The time share was expected after Langford ran with good vision, patience and speed in Forte's absence.
As the Bears prepared for Sunday's game against the 49ers, offensive coordinator Adam Gase indicated it will continue.
"We can keep them fresh and ... we should only get better from here on out and those guys will get in the flow of it," Gase said.
Forte played 84 percent of the Bears' snaps in the six games before his injury. Langford played 10 percent during that span and 74 percent in the three games Forte missed.
"For me, it's just whenever I get my number called, and he's ready to come out of the game, I'll be ready," Langford said.
Forte averaged only 2.9 yards per carry on 15 attempts against the Packers on a wet field in his first game back. Langford had 48 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
Forte is averaging 3.9 yards per carry with two rushing touchdowns this season; Langford is averaging 3.3 and has six scores.
At Michigan State, Langford was accustomed to playing every snap. But he understands his place behind the veteran Forte and sees the benefit.
"I want to play every snap," he said. "I don't really get tired. But being responsible, I know sometimes you have to come out when you're not feeling all the way up to par. You have to get somebody else in there to be a little faster."
rcampbell@tribpub.com
