Not feeling Forte: Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte isn’t likely to play this week even though coach Lovie Smith tried to remain hopeful. However the fact that the team is working out free agent Ryan Grant suggests that Chicago’s top runner won’t be around when they visit the Dallas Cowboys next Monday night. It’s becoming fair to worry about Forte’s injury issues. After never missing a game in his first three seasons, Forte sat out four games last season with injuries and appears positioned to miss his second in 2012. These things can become cumulative and worrisome.  That also means Michael Bush will once again be the starter, although he posted a very pedestrian 55 yards on 18 carries this past week. The Cowboys have been a middle of the road team against fantasy backs this year, however, Chicago’s recent overall offensive struggles don’t bode well for Bush’s production in Week 4.

Garçon status unknown: Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan wasn’t very informative about the status of receiver Pierre Garçon for this weekend’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Garcon hasn’t played since injuring his foot in the season opener. In his absence, Leonard Hankerson has been Washington’s most productive receiver, but that’s relative — he’s caught just six passes for 124 yards combined in the past two weeks. The encouraging news is that fantasy receivers have had a field day against the Bucs, so whoever lines up on the outside for the ‘Skins this week is worth a serious look.

Mathews fumbling opportunities: San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner told reporters that running back Ryan Mathews could see some of his touches limited in an effort to avoid his fumbling issues. While Turner wasn’t specific about the times when Mathews would see fewer carries, it stands to reason that it would be in goal line situations — especially after the back fumbled on the 4-yard line in Sunday’s loss to the Falcons. Last season, Mike Tolbert was San Diego’s fantasy touchdown vulture. If Mathews isn’t seeing carries in short-yardage situations, that role this year could fall to Le’Ron McClain.

– Marcas Grant

Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

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