Michael Bush: Updated Fantasy Football Profile & Analysis for Chicago Bears RB

The injury bug has sent its stinger into Matt Forte for a second straight season. From a fantasy perspective, Michael Bush owners will be the beneficiary of his absence, as the bruising running back will take over feature back duties for the Chicago Bears in Week 3. 

No, Forte isn't lost for the year, but ankle sprains take a few weeks to fully heal and can undoubtedly nag, or at least slow down a player, throughout a season. (Please note that it was initially reported Forte was dealing with a "high ankle sprain." Following the report, head coach Lovie Smith insisted it was not a "high ankle sprain.")

With the Bears' star runner hobbled, let's take a look at Bush's fantasy viability in the foreseeable future. 

Profile 

Bush is a fifth-year pro out of Louisville who was picked in the fourth round by the Oakland Raiders. At 6'1'' and 245 pounds, he fits the profile of the bruising runner, but he also possesses deceptive lateral agility to make defenders miss in the open field. 

In 2005 with the Cardinals, Bush, a converted quarterback, rushed 1,143 yards at 5.6 yards per rush and scored a ridiculous 23 touchdowns on the ground. 

Although he suffered a broken leg the next year in college, he's been rather durable during his professional career, having missed only three games up to the point. 

Though he's never truly been in a season-long feature back role, Bush has a 4.2 career yards-per-carry average, and he certainly has the build to wear down an opposing front seven. 

Fantasy Outlook 

Now's the time to get Bush into the lineup, with Forte having hurt his ankle last week against the Green Bay Packers. 

With Jay Cutler coming off one of his worst performances of the last few seasons, don't be surprised to see Chicago feature the running game more prominently in the future. 

He's facing a relatively weak St. Louis Rams run defense today, but he doesn't have the most favorable matchups in the coming weeks. The Bears travel to Dallas in Week 4 and face a stingy Jaguars front seven in Week 5. However, Bush's punishing running style may actually be one that could yield a productive day against those physical defenses. 

As for Forte, his injury isn't deemed extremely serious, but ankle injuries can take up to a month to heal. And there's no telling how soreness will affect him after he's able to return. 

Analysis 

Forte is far more versatile than Bush, but the Louisville grad is a no-nonsense, exceptionally powerful runner who seemingly falls forward on every run. 

The Bears will look to get Brandon Marshall involved in the passing game, but they'd be foolish to not implement a more steady attack to alleviate pressure from Cutler, even when facing the Cowboys and Jaguars. 

If Forte's injury lingers, which is distinctly possible, Chicago faces the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers after the Week 6 bye week. 

For now, Bush is a legitimate RB No. 2 start in fantasy, and his value will fluctuate based on Forte's availability. 

Chicago will feature Forte when he returns, but Bush will be a nice flex option for the rest of the season due to his status as the team's primary goal line back. 

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