As expected, the Bears re-signed running back Kahlil Bell in anticipation of Matt Forte missing extended time after suffering a sprained ankle in Thursday night’s 23-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
”I’m taking my talents back to Chicago. So happy to be back,” Bell tweeted Saturday. “Never wanted to leave.”
Forte reportedly suffered a high ankle sprain when he was tackled by Charles Woodson on a 15-yard pass play and could miss 2-6 weeks if that is the case. That the Bears signed Bell so quickly indicates Forte could be out awhile. But the Bears have not confirmed anything regarding his injury, as is their policy.
Bell played with the Bears the past four seasons, including three starts in 2011. But he was cut prior to the third preseason game against the New York Giants after he refused to take a pay cut from the $1.26 million he was to receive in 2012. He cleared waivers but had not been signed by any other NFL team before the Bears called.
Bell rushed for 337 yards on 79 carries (4.3 yards per carry) last season, including 121 yards on 23 carries against the Packers at Lambeau Field. He also had 133 yards on 19 receptions, including a 25-yard touchdown against the Seahawks.
