Matt Forte

Though he indicated earlier this month that he intended to play in 2018, Forte has apparently reconsidered his future in football and will call an end to a productive 10-year career. Forte's decision to step away from the NFL frees up $3 million in salary-cap space for the Jets during the upcoming season, while also sparing the organization of having to cut him ahead of the start of the new league year March 14. The 32-year-old saw his effectiveness wane in his two seasons in New York while battling knee issues but has generally been one of the NFL's top three-down backs since entering the league as a second-round pick of the Bears in 2008. Forte, a two-time Pro Bowl honoree, retires with career marks of 9,746 rushing yards, 554 receptions, 4,672 receiving yards and 75 touchdowns over 146 regular-season contests.

Forte sat out all three of the Jets' practices in Week 15 before eventually suiting up for the team's 31-19 loss to the Saints, so his back-to-back absences to begin Week 16 preparations doesn't necessarily mean his status for Sunday's matchup with the Chargers is in peril. With the inexperienced Bryce Petty set to make his second start at quarterback, the Jets are expected to lean heavily on the running game in Week 16 if the game flow allows for it, but that won't be enough to make Forte a reliable fantasy play while he continues to share work with Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire.

Per the report, Forte "ran some routes and (appeared) to be moving well" Thursday. While there's a solid chance the running back will officially limited as a limited participant, Forte's return to practice, in any capacity, suggests that he has a shot to return to action Sunday against the Panthers.

Forte is trending in the wrong direction as Sunday's game against the Jaguars approaches. If he misses the contest, Bilal Powell would likely see an increased workload in the Jets' Week 4 backfield, with Elijah McGuire next up for carries and newcomer Travaris Cadet a candidate to suit up for a reserve role.