Nov. 19--As Bears running back Matt Forte nears his return from a sprained right knee, coach John Fox has no qualms re-establishing him in the backfield that rookie Jeremy Langford has capably manned during Forte's two-game absence.
Forte was limited in practice Wednesday as the Bears began on-field preparations for Sunday's game against the Broncos at Soldier Field. The eighth-year veteran is expected to return to the top of the depth chart upon clearance by the medical staff.
"In this league, it's about the more the merrier," Fox said Wednesday. "You try to build competition within your own team. It makes everybody on your squad better. We'll welcome Matt back with open arms."
Forte was among the league leaders in touches and yards from scrimmage when he was injured Nov. 1 against the Vikings.
With Forte sidelined for road wins over the Chargers and Rams, Langford amassed 324 yards from scrimmage. The fourth-round pick became the eighth rookie since 1960 to have multiple games with at least 70 rushing and receiving yards.
Langford has demonstrated some of the vision and patience Forte has used to set up blocks throughout his successful career. The Bears also have been pleased with Langford's pass blocking.
Forte did not speak to media Wednesday; he has usually done so on Thursdays or Fridays this season.
Ware out: Broncos sack leader DeMarcus Ware is unlikely to play Sunday because of a back injury, coach Gary Kubiak indicated on a teleconference with Chicago media. It's a significant loss for a defense that leads the NFL in sacks (32) and sacks per pass attempt.
The Broncos have a balanced pass rush, though, with outside linebacker Von Miller on the other side. He has five sacks and Ware 61/2.
"Von Miller is a physical specimen that can do everything," right tackle Kyle Long said. "He's extremely dangerous, and you have to dedicate a lot of personnel and scheme to be able to slow a guy like that down."
Miller was the Broncos' first draft pick after they hired Fox to be their coach in 2011. The second overall pick that year has been named to three Pro Bowls and has 54 career sacks.
Miller said it will be "weird" to play against Fox's team.
"It's definitely a special relationship we've got," he said via teleconference, "but we've got to go out there and win."
Injury report: Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (left knee) and receiver Eddie Royal (left knee) did not practice. ... The Bears listed receiver Alshon Jeffery (groin, shoulder) as limited on their injury report. ... Rookie center Hroniss Grasu (neck) was limited. The Bears are hopeful he can stay healthy through the week and play for the first time in four games. ... The Bears re-signed cornerback Terrance Mitchell to the practice squad after he cleared waivers.
