Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte is expected to not suit up in Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams due to an ankle injury, according to Bears coach Lovie Smith.
Forte, who missed his fourth straight practice on Friday, suffered a right ankle sprain in the third quarter of the Bears' loss to the Green Bay on Sept. 13.
Michael Bush will start in place of Forte. Signed to a four-year, $14 million contract in the offseason, Bush had success last season with the Oakland Raiders replacing another injured star running back, Darren McFadden. Bush started nine games last season and rushed for a career-high 977 yards.
Bush has rushed for 96 yards on 26 carries with two touchdowns this season.
"Michael has started a lot in the league and has been in this role before," Smith said Friday. "There are not many Matt Forte's out there but our back up plan is pretty good, and Mike's going to step in there and do a great job."
Kahlil Bell, just signed last week, figures to have a role as a backup.
It will be a tough game for the Bears without arguably their best offensive threat.
For the Rams they've announced running back Steven Jackson (ankle) is questionable after not practicing all week.
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