Former Raiders RB Michael Bush is visiting the Bears on Wednesday and then scheduled to head to Cincinnati for a free-agent visit, according to a league source.

I can’t entirely rule out that the Bengals won’t bring back RB Cedric Benson, but it’s not their intention. With two picks at the end of the first round — No. 17 and No. 21 — the Bengals could be in position to look to the draft for a running back.

The Bears placed the franchise tag on Matt Forte, who Bush could compliment as the bigger, short-yardage back in the role previously held by Marion Barber. But there’s no guarantee Forte signs the offer, and Bush could provide insurance if that happens. The Bears will also run a very different offense under new OC Mike Tice than they did under Mike Martz, and the power running game will be a much bigger focus.

The team also tendered a qualifying offer to restricted free agent Kahlil Bell and can match any offers.

The Bears will need multiple backs, and the Forte situation makes it all that much more interesting.

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