Matt Forte, James Carpenter

Matt Forte remains sidelined at Jets camp. (AP Photo | Julio Cortez)

FLORHAM PARK -- The Jets on Thursday held their seventh training camp practice. Once again, running back Matt Forte (hamstring) did not participate.

Forte has practiced just one day in this camp, on Tuesday. And even then, he did only position drills. He hasn't practiced at all in the two days since.

The Jets are bringing him along cautiously, which is prudent. It is more important for them to have him in Week 7 of the regular season than in their seventh training camp practice.

After Thursday's practice, coach Todd Bowles said Forte would not play in next Thursday's preseason opener against the Jaguars -- which is not surprising.

Bowles also said that, barring a setback, he expects Forte to be ready for the Jets' Sept. 11 regular season opener against the Bengals.

"Right now, he's not in jeopardy of missing any time," Bowles said. "But we'll see as the days go by."

Bowles added that Forte has not experienced any setbacks in his rehab, and that Forte's absence Thursday was a normal part of his rehab process. Bowles said Forte mostly stayed inside the Jets' facility Thursday to receive treatment, though Forte did stand on the field and observe some of practice.

Bowles said Forte's progress is "day by day," and he's not sure if Forte will practice Friday.

Forte has downplayed the severity of his hamstring injury. He sustained the injury while running during pre-camp workouts.

Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.