Matt Forte of Bears out with sprained ankle

Associated Press / September 21, 2012

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Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte will sit out the Bears’ game against the Rams Sunday because of a sprained right ankle. Bears coach Lovie Smith said Friday that Forte ‘‘is making a lot of progress,’’ but isn’t ready to play. Forte went to the locker room midway through the third quarter of last week’s loss at Green Bay after he appeared to twist his right ankle while being tackled by Charles Woodson. That leaves Chicago without one of its top offensive players.

With Forte out, Michael Bush figures to be the primary ball carrier on Sunday.

Smith ‘lit into’ QBPanthers receiver Steve Smith said he’’ lit into’’ Cam Newton about his actions on the sideline when the 23-year-old quarterback was replaced late in the fourth quarter of Thursday night’s 36-7 blowout loss to the visiting Giants. Smith said he was upset when Newton sat sulking on the bench instead of getting up to watch backup Derek Anderson and trying to learn from his own mistakes.‘‘I said, ‘Get up and learn from this,’ ’’ Smith said. “This is an opportunity for you to get some mental reps. Don’t just sit on the bench and sulk. I know you feel bad, but that isn’t going to help us.’’

Jets’ Revis ready Darrelle Revis is fully recovered from a concussion and will play for the Jets after practicing fully for the second straight day. Tight end Dustin Keller (right hamstring) is questionable after missing last week’s game . . . Chad Johnson pleaded no contest to a domestic violence charge involving his then-wife, reality TV star Evelyn Lozada . . . Safety Kenny Phillips was fined $30,000 by the NFL for unnecessary roughness, one of four Giants disciplined for their conduct in last Sunday’s win over Tampa Bay.