Will Bears go easy on Forte this season?

It's doubtful that Matt Forte will get as many touches this year as the 368 he had last year or the 363 he had the year before.

First of all, Forte will be 30 in December, the age at which most NFL running backs start to decline -- precipitously.

Last year Forte became the second player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards (1,038) and catch 100 passes (102) in the same season. His average per carry, however, dropped from 4.6 yards in 2013 to 3.9, and he had just 1 run of 20 yards or more on 266 carries. Quarterback Jay Cutler had 3 runs of 20 yards or more on 39 attempts.

But Forte has missed just one start in the last three seasons, and he will remain the alpha male in the Bears' backfield.

Ka'Deem Carey, the fourth-round draft pick last year, showed potential as a rookie, averaging 4.4 yards on 36 carries. He should get more opportunities this year, even with the addition of veteran Jacquizz Rodgers.

The 5-foot-6, 195-pound Rodgers adds some quickness. He intends to lose 8-10 pounds to help him improve on his career 3.7-yard rushing average on 305 carries and his 7.1-yard average on 155 receptions.