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Montee Ball could be signed by Chicago Bears

By Dave Stevenson

Sep 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive back Cariel Brooks (35) in the third quarter of a preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Cardinals defeated the Broncos 22-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive back Cariel Brooks (35) in the third quarter of a preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Cardinals defeated the Broncos 22-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to a report, the Chicago Bears are discussing signing former Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball to help overcome the loss of Matt Forte.

The Chicago Bears lost star running back Matt Forte to a knee injury during Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. While the Bears remain optimistic that Forte will not be lost for the season, they are reportedly discussing adding free agent running back Montee Ball to their active roster.

Montee Ball would be an interesting fit for the 2-5 Bears. He would be reunited with former Broncos head coach John Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase. Ball played for the duo for two years in Denver before being cut by the Denver Broncos before this season began. He had 131 rushing attempts for 731 rushing yards during his tenure in Denver, an average of 4.2 yards per carry. Perhaps being reunited with Fox and Gase could revive Ball’s career.

The 2013 second round pick of the Broncos has yet to live up to his lofty expectations that he set for himself during his college career at the University of Wisconsin. His 39 touchdowns in 2011 tied an NCAA record and set the school record. He holds the NCAA career records for most touchdowns by a non-quarterback with 83 and most rushing touchdowns with 79.

The Bears rank 16th in rushing in the NFL with 109.9 yards per game. Forte is their leading rusher with 548 rushing yards. Quarterback Jay Cutler has 93 rushing yards while rookie running back Jeremy Langford has 80. Langford is averaging just 3.0 yards per carry. Montee could help the Bears replace at least some of Forte’s production.

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