Is it time to worry about Matt Forte?

As the New York Jets prepare for their third game of preseason action, is it time to worry about the health of running back Matt Forte for the regular season?

When the New York Jets acquired running back Matt Forte via free agency, fans were ecstatic for everything he brought to the table. Not only would he be a true workhorse but he would finally be a consistent dual-threat kind of running back ready to push the envelope for 2016.

Related Story: Matt Forte makes debut in team drills

Only problem is, his history of dealing with nagging injuries has once again been a theme throughout training camp with the Jets. Even though he was able to finally participate in team drills last week, Forte has yet to take a single snap so far this preseason.

While preseason football is meaningless in the grand scheme of things, for players like Forte rehabbing back from a hamstring injury it’s best to not rush anything. By the looks of it so far heading into their Week 3 preseason match-up against the New York Giants, Forte might also miss the game due to injury.

There is no questioning what kind of athlete the Jets have in Forte. So far in his career, Forte has totaled 8,602 rushing yards, 2,035 rushes and 45 touchdowns. With his ability to be a receiving option out of the backfield, Forte has totaled 4,116 receiving yards, 487 receptions and 19 touchdowns. Needless to say, he can easily be an x-factor on offense as long as he can stay healthy.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets should target TE Hunter Henry in free agency
• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency

It won’t be much to worry about when it comes to Forte thanks to the experience he has in the NFL.

With eight years playing in the league, Forte will be just fine, even if he misses the entire preseason due to his hamstring injury.

Veterans of his caliber know what it feels like to endure the long season ahead and Forte is undoubtedly excited for what it will be like in his first season as a member of the Jets.

Rehabbing Forte’s injury is more important than seeing what he can do in preseason football that won’t mean anything when it’s all  over.

What is of the highest priority is ensuring that Forte is healed up and ready to deliver an incredible debut season in the city that never sleeps.

Even head coach Todd Bowles knows that is all that truly matters. Here is what he said about Forte and not only how he’s been during training camp but if fans might see him play against the upcoming Giants:

He’s been fresh. He’s been healthy. You would like to get him banged around a little bit, so he can get used to his pads a little more. If he continues to be healthy, we will try to get him some reps on Saturday if we can. (Courtesy of the Media Relations Department of the Jets)

must read: Be wary of drafting Ryan Fitzpatrick in fantasy football

Overall, while fans are anxious for his preseason debut, it’s best to use patience in this particular situation. Forte will be just fine by the time the regular season arrives and even if he is a bit rusty due to not playing preseason football, he has the experience to step up to the spotlight and deliver regardless.