Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte is out for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams with an ankle injury, and veteran backup Michael Bush will move into the role of primary rusher.
Forte sprained his ankle during the the third quarter of the Bears' Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers. Through the first two weeks of the season, Forte had rushed for 111 yards and one touchdown.
Still, Ryan Van Bibber of Turf Show Times thinks this will be the trickiest test for the Rams' rushing defense so far this season:
After Thursday's practice, [Rams] head coach Jeff Fisher said that his team was preparing as though the Bears would have Forte, but they were also keenly aware of what Bush could do on his own. It's clear after watching the Rams' first two games that preparation for each opponent is intense.
This will be the stiffest test so far for the Rams' run defense, a unit allowing more yards per carry than any other team in the league so far this season. You can imagine that does not sit well with Fisher's belief in sound fundamentals. It also might have something to do with the two teams they played so far this season.
Bush, the 28-year-old veteran from the University of Louisville, has 26 carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns in his first season with the Bears. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Oakland Raiders.
The Rams kick off against Chicago on Sunday at noon CT on Fox.
For all the latest Rams news, check out Turf Show Times, and for your Bears updates, head to Windy City Gridiron. And be sure to get all your football updates at our NFL hub.