Bears running back Matt Forte had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee within the last two weeks, according to multiple sources.
The clean-up procedure followed a post-season MRI. Forte sprained the medial collateral ligament in his knee during the Bears’ 25-19 victory at Seattle in Week 3, but it is unclear if the surgery stems from that specific injury.
Although Forte ran better toward the end of the season, he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, down from his 3.9-yard average as a rookie.
He finished with 929 rushing yards on 258 carries as the Bears ranked 29th in the league. Forte ran for 1,238 yards on 316 carries as a rookie the year before. As a receiver, he had 57 catches for 471 yards in 2009 against 63 for 477 in his first season.
Forte also suffered a partially torn hamstring during offseason workouts before the ‘09 season.
With Forte recovering from surgery, the Bears have at least three running backs on the mend.
Garrett Wolfe had shoulder surgery almost two weeks ago while Kevin Jones continues his extensive rehab from torn ligaments in his left ankle. Jones missed the entire regular season.
Also, punter Brad Maynard had his right hip scoped, a source said. His recovery time is unclear.
Maynard was listed as questionable with a groin injury before the last home game against the Vikings. He handled the punt duties that night despite the Bears’ decision to sign Richmond McGee as insurance.
The first day teams can start the offseason workout program is March 15.
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