Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte expected not to play

With kickoff in Green Bay two days away, the Bears welcomed running back Matt Forte, receiver Alshon Jeffery and linebacker Pernell McPhee to the practice field Tuesday, though each participated in a limited role.

After the Bears updated the injury report on Friday, the belief was that Jeffery would be inactive for today’s game while Forte would play.

With rookie Jeremy Langford playing well in his place and Forte not expected to return to the club next season due to free agency, it remains unclear how many carries to expect from Forte on Thursday.

“I’m excited just to get back out there”, Forte said.

“Obviously with the situation being I’m in my contract year, last year, it’s obvious that’s the storyline that would come up”.

White, who played two seasons with the Mountaineers and racked up 1,954 receiving yards on 144 catches, with 15 touchdowns, has been on physically-unable-to-perform list. “I’m not closing any doors”. He is still feeling some pain and is not able to run 100 percent. The Bears now have three weeks to either activate White, or end his season by placing him on injured reserve. Coach John Fox insisted their standing in the playoff race would not impact their decision. The Bears will also monitor the health of wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (groin/shoulder) on Monday. But he started experiencing pain in his shin in June during organized team activities. He had surgery in August after therapy failed to cure his discomfort.

White said he doesn’t really feel the rod, although the screws are causing some pain. “I actually like it because now going forward I’m not going to have to play every single play or every down”, he said.