LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Rushing yards have been hard to come by so far this season, but Bears running back Matt Forte has found another way to help the offense move the chains.

For the second year in a row, Forte is displaying his receiving skills out of the backfield. His 38 receptions are the third most among NFL running backs, trailing only the Ravens’ Ray Rice (46) and the Cardinals’ Tim Hightower (45).

Matt Forte's 120 receiving yards in San Francisco were the most by a Bears player this season.

“It’s a way that I can contribute,” Forte said. “Any time I can get out in space and have a chance to make a play, it’s good. It’s a way I can make an impact on offense.”

Last season Forte set a Bears rookie record with a team-high 63 receptions, the most among NFL running backs. He’s currently on pace for 68 after catching six passes against the Cardinals and eight versus the 49ers. 

Forte’s 120 receiving yards last Thursday night in San Francisco were the most by a Bears running back since Willie Galimore had 149 on Oct. 15, 1961 in a win over the Baltimore Colts.

“It’s good that I can get involved in the passing game that way so that [defenses] can’t hone in on one receiver,” Forte said. “They’ve got to look out for the running back too.

“It just adds another phase to the game so that you’re not one-dimensional. You can catch passes and run routes. It’s a chance to get the ball out in space.”

Forte has six receptions of at least 20 yards this season, the most among NFL running backs. Rice, the Texans’ Steve Slaton and the Chargers’ Darren Sproles are tied for second with four apiece.

Forte was especially effective on screen passes against the 49ers, gaining 37, 31 and 12 yards.

“You have to hit [screens] when the defense is really not expecting it,” Forte said. “You’ve really got to get the d-linemen up the field and get the offensive linemen out in front of the back. I’ve got to wait for them once they get out there, and then I turn around and catch the ball. In space, it sets up your blocks.”

Forte's contributions in the passing game have helped offset a Bears rushing attack that ranks 30th in the NFL, averaging just 85.2 yards per game. With the Bears rushing for only 43 yards on 21 carries against the 49ers, short passes to Forte helped loosen up San Francisco's defense and sustain drives.

“We talked before the season started just about how versatile he is and how many different things he can do,” said quarterback Jay Cutler. “When the run is struggling like that, there are certain things you can do with screens and some quick passes.”

Roster move: The Bears on Wednesday re-signed defensive end Joe Clermond to the practice squad. He replaces cornerback DeAngelo Smith, who was signed to the Detroit Lions’ 53-man roster. Clermond had spent the first four weeks of the season on the Bears practice squad before his contract was terminated Oct. 6.