Forte OK; Jones ready to go

Running back Matt Forte, who limped off the field near the end of Wednesday’s OTA practice with an injury to his left hamstring, did not participate in Thursday’s workout, but that seems to be just a precautionary measure along with the obligatory MRI.

Forte’s practice time is likely to be limited during some or all of the remaining OTAs, which end on June 17, but he is expected to be 100 percent long before the first practice of training camp on July 31.

Backup running back Kevin Jones is likely to see more time with the first team next week. He could also give Forte more rest in the regular season if, as hoped, he is completely recovered from the knee injury that ended his 2007 season and limited him last season. He had 30 carries for 107 yards in the first five games, but just 4 carries for 2 yards the rest of the season.

“Kevin will fit in real well,” offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. “We're excited about him. He’ll have had a (full) off-season. Last year when we got him (just before camp began), he was coming off that knee injury and wasn't in the best of shape. He's had a year to learn our system and a year to get that knee better.”

The 6-foot, 228-pound Jones was considered a strong between-the-tackles runner and an effective option in short-yardage situations before his knee injury.