The Chicago Bears have been hit hard by injuries this season with Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery missing time and now players like Martellus Bennett, Marquess Wilson and Antrel Rolle are done for the year after being placed on injured reserve. The team will have some major decisions to make in the offseason, as players like Bennett and Forte may not end up returning in 2016.
The Bears have had a tough season under first-year head coach John Fox and the team comes into Week 15 at 5-8 on the year, barely alive in the wild card race in the NFC. The team has three games left on the schedule with the Vikings, Buccaneers and Lions and depending on how the team performs during that stretch, there could be some changes in the offseason. Jay Cutler is likely going to remain the quarterback despite dealing with trade rumors last offseason, but players like Forte and Bennett may not be on the roster next year.
The Bears love Forte's production and his versatility as a running back, but he is now 30 and that is when most RBs start to break down. Forte has been mentioned in trade rumors in the past and since he is heading towards free agency and was not able to agree to a contract extension with the Bears, many see him leaving Chicago in 2016. The emergence of Jeremy Langford while Forte was injured did not help his case, as Langford had some impressive performances while playing for Forte and will be a much cheaper option for next year.
Bennett is in a similar situation, as Zach Miller has emerged as a consistent option, although Bennett is not a free agent next year. Bennett reportedly had some frustration about how he was used this season and with the tight end making $5.085 million next season, there is a chance he could be released. Miller is a free agent after this season, but he would be a much cheaper option to retain.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Dan Wiederer writes that "it's hard to see" the team bringing back Bennett for next year. Bennett was placed on IR last week and now he is done for the season, finishing with 53 catches for 439 yards and three touchdowns, which is disappointing compared to his production last season when he had 90 catches for 916 yards.
The Bears have dealt with numerous players missing time this season at various points, including Forte, Alshon Jeffery, Kevin White, Marquess Wilson and Antrel Rolle. Rolle and Wilson have both been placed on injured reserve, while reports have the team not activating Kevin White for the rest of the season. White has been dealing with a shin injury since training camp and was on the PUP list and according to the Chicago Tribune, the team will not be activating White for the back stretch of the season.
