Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte was forced to prematurely exit Thursday night’s game against the Packers after injuring his right ankle in the third quarter.

Forte, who signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the Bears this offseason, went into the locker room for X-rays after suffering the injury and didn’t return.

He finished the game with seven rushing attempts for 31 yards and had a team-high four receptions for 49 yards during the game before his departure.

According to NFL.com, Forte suffered a high ankle sprain, but the Bears do not have a clear timetable for his return.

Forte’s availability will depend on his pain tolerance, NFL.com added.

Following Forte’s exit from the game, Michael Bush stepped in and assumed primary control of the Bears’ run game. The veteran running back finished with 54 yards on 14 carries.

“I didn’t know what happened to him,” Bush said of Forte after the Bears 23-10 loss Thursday night. “I just thought he needed a blow or something.”

Bush, who started 19 games with the Raiders before signing with the Bears in March, becomes the starter if Forte is out for any length of time.

“That’s why I’m here: They brought me here to pick up where (Forte) left off, if something went wrong,” Bush said. “It’s the insurance plan, I guess. I’ll be ready.”

The Bears host the St. Louis Rams next Sunday.

ESPN’s Herm Edwards talks more about Matt Forte’s ankle injury and the impact it will make on the Bears’ offense in the video below:

Matt Forte Injury: Chicago Bears RB Injures Right Ankle In Loss Against Packers [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr