Chicago
Bears

News: The Bears' worries over how long Forte's knees will hold up is a major sticking point in contract negotiations, a source tells the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: The Bears are concerned with arthritis setting in and becoming a chronic problem given Forte's history with both kness; which includes a torn right PCL in 2006, a sprained left MCL in 2009, and another sprained left MCL in 2011. Coupled with nearly 1,000 touches in college and another 1,237 in the NFL, and you can see why the Bears would be worried about the wear and tear on Forte's lower body. The Tribune does not believe it necessarily will prevent the sides from finding middle ground during discussions, but it does shed light on why the Bears are reluctant to reward the soon-to-be 27 year old running back with a long-tern deal.

News: Knox (back) acknowledged that he may not play in 2012, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: It sounds like Knox will play it safe, as he probably should with a spinal injury. The Bears traded for Brandon Marshall and drafted Alshon Jeffery in the offseason, but Knox almost certainly will have a significant role in the offense if he returns at full strength. He was easily Chicago's most effective receiver last year, averaging an impressive 10.5 yards per target. That said, it sounds like there is a solid chance Knox won't play in 2012. Unless something changes between now and when you draft, Knox is not somebody to target, even in the late rounds of deeper leagues.

News: The Chicago Bears have agreed to a one-year contract with Collins.
Impact: Collins played in 13 games over the past two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia with the New York Giants in 2010.

News: Collins agreed to a one-year deal with the Bears on Wednesday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Collins will add depth the Chicago defensive line after spending last season with Jacksonville.

News: Davis may have an expanded role in the Bears' offense with Mike Martz out of the picture, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Mike Tice, a former tight end and tight ends coach, is the new offensive coordinator. Former offensive Mike Martz is notorious for his scheme that rarely utilizes the tight end. Five of Davis's 18 catches last season went for touchdowns, and he projects as the starter in 2012. This isn't a guy you will want to draft as a starter, but he may be worth consideration as a second tight end. By the time your draft comes around Davis may not be a sleeper any more, since many people will notice his size and Chicago's new offensive scheme and take note.

News: Spencer is moving to left guard and currently looks to be the starter there, ESPN Chicago's Michael C. Wright reports.
Impact: Last year's starting left guard, Chris Williams, is moving to left tackle and will challenge J'Marcus Webb for the starting job there. The Bears appear to be shaking things up on the offensive line after Jay Cutler went through yet another season of seemingly constant abuse.

News: Williams split reps with J'Marcus Webb at left tackle in practice on Wednesday, Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs reports.
Impact: It is still early, but it makes sense that the Bears would have an open competition at left tackle. J'Marcus Webb struggled last season and Williams has a first-round pedigree. Neither player look to be a great option protecting Jay Cutler's blindside, and the offensive line may be a weakness for the Bears yet again. At this point it seems highly unlikely that Williams will develop into the player the Bears thought they were getting with the 14th pick in the 2008 draft.

News: Urlacher is unlikely to participate in any of the Bears' voluntary OTAs, but is not concerned over the health of his left knee, Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Urlacher continues to rehab after spraining his MCL and PCL during the Bears' regular season finale last season. When asked about his expected return date, Urlacher responded, "Definitely training camp, I think. The OTAs are not as important."

News: The lawyer for Brandon Marshall says no charges will be brought against the Chicago Bears wide receiver for an altercation outside a nightclub in March.
Impact: Harvey Steinberg says Marshall won't be charged after a woman filed a complaint that he punched her in the face outside Manhattan's Marquee club. Steinberg says: "We maintained all along he is a victim and there is no basis to believe these charges." A spokesman for the New York City Police Department says they are still investigating the complaint. Detective Brian Sessa of the NYPD said Thursday the case is still open.

News: The Chicago Bears have agreed to a four-year deal with Hardin and now have all their draft picks under contract. The agreement was announced on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.
Impact: A third-round pick out of Oregon State, Hardin missed the 2011 season due to a broken shoulder. He had 105 tackles, three forced fumbles and one interception in his college career.

News: Cutler says his right thumb is fine and he can't wait to return to lead a significantly upgraded Bears offense. The quarterback said he's recovered from offseason surgery to repair the fractured thumb. He talked both football and diabetes awareness during a Monday appearance at a school promoting screening and treatment among young people.
Impact: He suffered the injury late last November against San Diego while making a tackle on Antoine Cason, who had just picked off the Bears quarterback. Diagnosed with a Type 1 diabetes following his second NFL season, the seventh-year pro oversees a foundation dedicated to raising the profile of the disease.

News: New York police are expected to wrap up their investigation this week from a March incident in which Marshall was accused of punching a woman in the face, ESPN.com reports.
Impact: According to sources, the police have struggled to find any evidence against Marshall, and the case is expected to be closed with no charges filed. Given his history, it is still possible Marshall could receive some sort of discipline or investigation from Roger Goodell, but for now it looks as if he has escaped any wrong doing.

News: After failing to sufficiently involve Hester on offense in the past, the Bears' new playbook is expected to feature a package specifically for the wide receiver in 2012, ESPNChicago.com reports.
Impact: "The talent has always been there. It's just a matter of not having him play 70 plays and throw to him twice," receivers coach Darryl Drake said. "Play him 15 (plays), let him touch it 13 (times). If he's out there, put the ball in his hands. We need to have that package, and (offensive coordinator) Mike Tice -- I promise you -- he's gonna do it." Based on Hester's prior failures to become a full time-receiver, we still remain skeptical he can finally become that player everyone envisions him to be in his seventh season. Though, an uptick over a combined 66 receptions for 844 yards and five touchdowns in the past two seasons isn't out of the question.

News: Jefferey is expected to play the "Z" receiver in the slot this season, with Brandon Marshall and Devin Hester on the outside, ESPNChicago.com reports.
Impact: A source said the Bears' passing game this year will essentially be the same as the Broncos' in 2008 when Marshall, Jay Cutler, and quarterbacks coach Jeremey Bates were all in Denver. Earl Bennett seems like the early odd man out, but his sure hands and connection with Cutler should keep him in the mix, as the Chicago passing game will likely show defenses a number of different looks with a suddenly deep wide receiver corp.