Forte apparently isn't close to returning to practice on a full-time basis. He participated in positional drills for the first time since Aug. 2 -- and only the second time since camp started -- but he's not ready to handle a full practice, according to coach Todd Bowles.
"No, I don't see him doing more each day," Bowles said after practice. "This is part of the rehab process. He'll still be inside (getting treatment) on some days."
We had a story last week that said it wasn't time to panic on Forte until he misses the second game of preseason, and that certainly seems to be a real possibility now, the story said. Forte injured his hamstring before camp, and at this point, it's fair to wonder if he'll get any preseason work at all. Bowles, who doesn't reveal much about injuries, declined to give a projected return date, the story said. Bilal Powell is next up on the depth chart, and while he's a capable runner, his forte is the passing game. If Forte remains out or runs into trouble this season, Khiry Robinson - assuming he can stay healthy - could be in line for some work.
