Matt Forte Injury: 5 Waiver Wire Replacements for the Bears' Stud RB

Chicago Bears star RB Matt Forte left the game today against the Kansas City Chiefs with apparent right knee damage. He was declared out for the rest of the game, and it may be some time before he returns to the field.

It's now believed to be an MCL sprain, but further testing will be needed, according to Sean Jensen. 

It’s the latest in the series of crippling injuries to the Chicago Bears, and the team is struggling right now without starting QB Jay Cutler. They were leaning heavily on Forte, and his production was expected to rise with the increased workload.

Now they will have to find a replacement for him and fantasy owners will also need to hit the waiver wire in case he misses any more time.

Let’s take a look at five viable replacements who may be available in your league and who you must put a claim in for immediately.

Honorable Mention: Kendall Hunter

The San Francisco 49ers are soon going to lock up their division and possibly a first-round bye in the playoffs.

That means they will more than likely look to get some starters rest and prevent injury as they prepare for the postseason.

It also means rookies and second-stringers will get more playing time and contribute in fantasy.

Hunter has a chance to get an increased amount of snaps as the team rests Frank Gore, and Hunter could be a suitable replacement for Forte.

5. Danny Woodhead

New England’s prolific offense could see a heavier reliance on the run as the weather gets colder and the ball gets harder to throw.

Against the Colts right now, the Patriots are pounding the rock with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Stevan Ridley, Kevin Faulk and Woodhead.

It seems Woodhead is the No. 2 back in their crazy system, but it changes from week to week.

However, he has a lot of upside because of his ability to catch balls out of the backfield and his team's ability to get in the red zone.

If you think he’s going to have a good week, it’s worth picking Woodhead up.

4. Dexter McCluster

McCluster is an interesting player to replace Forte with because his ability to slide into the WR, RB and flex spots of your roster.

If you have a solid bench and like fluidity on your team, McCluster can help fill any hole you may now have because of Forte's injury.

McCluster returns kicks, runs out of the backfield and catches passes. The Chiefs' utility man has yet to score a TD this season, but it’s only a matter of time with that varied amount of touches.

3. Toby Gerhart

Gerhart has been starting for two straight games now, and the Vikings are in no rush to bring back Adrian Peterson.

At 2-9, the team has nothing to play for this season, and there is no point in risking their franchise RB's future.

If Gerhart is still starting next week, he’s definitely an intriguing pickup, and his guaranteed touches are certainly very attractive. 

2. Maurice Morris

Jahvid Best was placed on injured reserve and Kevin Smith is dealing with injury, which leaves Mo Morris in control of the Detroit Lions' ground game once again.

Morris lost his job by playing like a complete bum, but redeemed himself with a solid performance on Thanksgiving and became a PPR superstar with his nine catches.

He failed to score, but Morris should be in line for a good amount of touches today against the Saints. He would be a worthy pickup if he performs well.

1. Marion Barber

This is the most obvious choice. You may have already even picked him up as a handcuff to Forte earlier in the season.

Barber is the No. 2 back in Chicago, and is going to slide up to be the No. 1 as long as Forte is out.

Unless he severely screws up, it’s Barber's job to lose, and he could produce some solid numbers—especially in the TD department—while Forte and Cutler are on the bench.