Matt Forte: Alshon Jeffery absence would "hurt" Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte has conceded that the potential absence of wide receiver Alshon Jeffery will "hurt" his side in their clash against the Arizona Cardinals.

The 25-year-old has been struggling with a hamstring injury throughout pre-season, which appeared to limit his range in his side's week one defeat to the Green Bay Packers.

Jeffery is a doubt to play the Cardinals, leaving the Bears short of options to replace him at wideout at Soldier Field.

"We do have a next-man-up mentality, so guys have obviously been working in there [at wide receiver] and studying," Forte told reporters. "He's a great player. We don't have another Alshon on the team, so obviously it's going to hurt."

Jeffery made five receptions for 78 yards in his side's season opener.