Kyle Long: Bears will miss Matt Forte, Matt Slauson

The Bears opened organized team activity practices this week without either Matt Forte or Matt Slauson, veterans the Bears let leave despite their desire to stay.

Kyle Long noticed.

“When you think about the Bears you think about 22, Matt Forte,” the three-time Pro Bowler said Wednesday, the second day of camp at Halas Hall. “But the Slauson thing was really tough for me because he’s a guy that took me under his wing and showed me everything about being a pro. Didn’t just talk about it; I got to watch him everyday and see him do it the right way.”

Long joked that he’ll golf in San Diego with Slauson, who signed a two-year deal with the Chargers after the Bears released the guard earlier this month.

Running back Jeremy Langford said he’ll remember Forte’s work ethic.

“He always doing the right thing at the right time,” he said.