Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte has conceded that the potential absence of wide receiver Alshon Jeffery will "hurt" his side in their clash against the Arizona Cardinals.

The 25-year-old has been struggling with a hamstring injury throughout pre-season, which appeared to limit his range in his side's week one defeat to the Green Bay Packers.

Jeffery is a doubt to play the Cardinals, leaving the Bears short of options to replace him at wideout at Soldier Field.

"We do have a next-man-up mentality, so guys have obviously been working in there [at wide receiver] and studying," Forte told reporters.

"He's a great player. We don't have another Alshon on the team, so obviously it's going to hurt."

Jeffery made five receptions for 78 yards in his side's season opener.