Matt Forte injury: Bears running back says he'll play vs. Lions

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte will play in Sunday's season finale against the Detroit Lions at 1 p.m., despite an ankle injury suffered last week in a win over the Arizona Cardinals, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network.

Forte reportedly told Breer that he's feeling confident on the ankle. The running back expects to start, according to the Associated Press.

Forte had 12 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown in last week's game prior to the injury. This season in 14 games, he has 991 rushing yards (4.4 yards per carry) and four touchdowns. He has also caught 42 passes for 319 yards and a touchdown.

The Bears need a win today and a loss by the Minnesota Vikings to the Green Bay Packers to make the playoffs. Chicago beat the Lions 13-7 in Detroit earlier this season. Forte had 96 rushing yards and four receiving yards in that victory.