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Jay Cutler: Matt Forte 'optimistic he'll play' for Bears

A strange season for the Chicago Bears comes down to Sunday's must-win game against the Detroit Lions.

Matt Forte's status for the game remains a concern for Chicago after the running back aggravated the right ankle injury he has dealt with all season in a Week 16 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Forte was seen lumbering around in a walking boot after the game, but Bears quarterback Jay Cutler on Wednesday told Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com that his teammate was "walking around OK."

"I think he's optimistic he'll play," Cutler said.

If Forte can't go, it would turn an already thin backfield into a dire situation for the Bears. Chicago shipped Michael Bush to injured reserve earlier this month, leaving just Armando Allen and recently re-signed Kahlil Bell behind Forte.

Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.