Carey did not play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Browns, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

This is a positive development for Carey's fantasy value, though it doesn't quite ensure that he'll open the season as Matt Forte's top backup. It does, however, strongly point in that direction, and Shaun Draughn didn't make much of a case by gaining just 29 yards on 10 carries. After working behind Draughn in the first two preseason games, Carey served as Matt Forte's top backup last Friday against the Seahawks.

Working as the top backup to Matt Forte, Carey gained 15 yards on four carries and 27 yards on four receptions in Friday's preseason game against the Seahawks.

After working behind both Forte and Shaun Draughn in the first two games, Carey entered Friday's contest before Draughn. It's still unclear which player will get the top backup role to start the season, but Carey at least has some hint of upside, while Draughn is a veteran who would be cut by many teams. Neither player figures to do much, so long as Matt Forte stays healthy.

Carey, who worked as the No. 3 running back for a second straight week, finished Thursday's preseason game against the Jaguars with 13 carries for 36 yards and a touchdown.

Shaun Draughn was again second into the game, with Carey third, and then Senorise Perry fourth. Draughn played well and thus figures to hold his spot on the depth chart, but Carey still has some appeal as a potential Forte handcuff. Draughn was released by the Chiefs last season, and he only logged two carries in three games with the Ravens. As a borderline roster type, Draughn probably doesn't have a firm grip on the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.

Carey worked as the No. 3 running back in Friday's preseason opener against the Eagles, The Game Chicago's Adam Hoge reports.

Matt Forte handled the first-team work, and then Shaun Draughn made a brief appearance with the second unit, before handing things over to Carey. The rookie out of Arizona managed just 23 yards on his 10 carries, but it was interesting that he saw so much work, while Draughn and Ford were lesser used. It may be that the Bears already known what they have in Draughn and Ford, but still need to find out what Carey brings to the table. The battle to serve as Matt Forte's backup is still ongoing, but the initial depth chart -- which placed Carey No. 4 -- shouldn't carry much weight in the discussion. Carey remains the most desirable handcuff for Forte

Carey is listed as the fourth-string running back on the Bears' first publicized depth chart of the preseason, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Carey's low ranking on the depth chart is likely just a product of his standing as a rookie. Based on the Bears' willingness to spend an early draft choice on Carey as well as his blend of speed and ability to break tackles, it shouldn't be long before he passes up veterans Michael Ford and Shaun Draughn for the top backup spot.

ESPN Chicago considers fourth-round RB Ka'Deem Carey the favorite to open the season as Matt Forte's direct backup.

Michael Ford is Carey's competition. Ford is a more of a scat back, while Carey is a strong inside between-the-tackles runner with soft hands as a receiver out of the backfield. Neither player will have much fantasy value unless Forte goes down with an injury. Only then would Carey be in line for a monster workload.

Bears signed fourth-round RB Ka'Deem Carey to a four-year contract.

Carey was viewed by some as the top running back in this year's draft class. He doesn't project as a long-term bellcow back but should be a serviceable No. 2 in a one-two punch down the road. Carey is a strong inside runner and displays soft hands in the passing game. He should open the year as Matt Forte's backup.