Clock ticking on Kevin White; Forte, Jeffrey look ready to return

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - For the first time since August, rookie first-round pick Kevin White was allowed out at practice with his teammates. White participated in stretching and then accompanied trainers back inside to continue his rehab.

White has been out since having surgery to repair a stress fracture in his shin. The Bears now have three weeks to either activate White, or end his season by placing him on injured reserve. White acknowledged he still has discomfort in his leg, and isn't yet running at full speed. When asked if he still thought he could return this year, he expressed optimism, saying, "I hope so... I'm not closing any doors." However, it remains unlikely that White will make his debut for the Bears until 2016.

Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffrey both practiced Tuesday, and were listed as limited. Forte admitted he could have probably played Sunday against the Broncos, but there were concerns his sprained MCL wouldn't respond fast enough for him to play against the Packers Thursday night.

Forte said he is able to cut and run at full speed and seemed just about ready to go after missing the past three games because of a knee injury.

"I'm excited just to get back out there," Forte said. "Not really a lot of fun watching the games and doing all that and not be able to help your team win, so I'm not really used to doing that. But it's going to be fun to get back out there on the field and help us out. Just looking forward to being out there."

Meanwhile, Jeffrey wouldn't confirm his status, but said he feels much better than he did last week.

If both play, it would mean the Bears are close to full strength on offense, for nearly the first time since week 1. Of course, that was a 31-23 Packers victory at Soldier Field. John Fox said Tuesday that he believes both teams are very different than they were in the season opener.