Three of Chicago's key playmakers didn't even make trip to St. Louis

The Chicago Bears were undermanned upon arrival for their matchup with the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.

Three of the team's biggest contributors -- running back Matt Forte, wide receiver Eddie Royal and outside linebakcer Pernell McPhee -- did not even make the short trip to St. Louis. ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report the news, and the team confirmed his report shortly thereafter (h/t Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune).

Bears OLB Pernell McPhee (knee), RB Matt Forte (knee) & WR Eddie Royal (knee) did not travel to STL, team confirms @AdamSchefter report.
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) November 15, 2015

Forte is the team's leading rusher with 548 yards on the season, but rookie running back Jeremy Langford has been an effective fill-in. The Bears aren't as lucky when it comes to Royal and McPhee, since the roster is short on veteran pass-catchers and elite pass-rushers.

All three players are dealing with knee injuries.