Chicago Bears will start OTAs without crucial players - NFL News
Chicago Bears will begin their voluntary workout sessions on Monday but will likely be missing a few key players during the sessions.
Both running back, Matt Forte and Kahlil Bell will miss out on the workouts as they have yet to sign their franchise tenders.
Forte is unlikely to do so after his recent frustrations with Chicago’s foot dragging over his contract issue.
The running back is extremely displeased with what he sees as the franchise disrespecting him by not offering a long term deal while on the other hand bringing in another running back in Michael Bush from free agency.
However, coach Lovie Smith speaking at an awards ceremony on Tuesday said.
"In the offseason, I tell the guys if you have an issue with your contract, out of season is the time to work on those things,"
Adding further he said.
"That's what Matt is going through right now. I'm on record of how we feel about Matt Forte. We start up Monday. Hopefully he'll be there. If he's not, then we're going to go to work with the players that we have there. We have a lot of time."
Time is there for the Bears as they have till July 15 to work out a new deal with Forte. If no deal is reached by that deadline the running back will be forced to play a year on the franchise tender.
Another crucial cog in the Bears roster will also be missing from the workouts in linebacker, Brian Urlacher who received the Ed Block courage award at the ceremony.
The linebacker is currently recovering from a sprained knee and there is still time before he can return back to full fitness.
"I've still got 3½ months, four months. So I'm definitely not in a big hurry. Like I've said ... when the time is right I'll be ready to play.”
The Bears brought in wide receiver, Brandon Marshall and Bush in this year’s free agency to shore up their offence.
Urlacher said that the new arrivals have taken off all the pressure from the Bears draft and he is highly excited to work with the big money signings.
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