Forte a no-show at Bears minicamp

Running back Matt Forte, who wants a new multiyear contract, was not present at the Chicago Bears' first day of minicamp on Tuesday, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Forte's absence was expected, and coach Lovie Smith did not want to guess whether Forte would be present when training camp begins.

"No, I wouldn't speculate on that," Smith told the Tribune. "When he shows up, we'll be ready to coach him up then."

Because he is not under contract, Forte is not required to attend minicamp.

He was given the franchise tag, but he has not signed the one-year tender. He was scheduled to make $7.7 million this season, but he wants a multiyear contract that would feature more in guaranteed money.

He rushed for 997 yards in 2011 and had 52 receptions.