"Devin Hester was held out of practice again Friday because of his sprained left ankle and the wide receiver/returner is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions at Soldier Field.

Hester wasn't spotted during practice the last two days, meaning he was likely inside Halas Hall getting treatment. Considering the short week and the nature of the injury, it will not be surprising if he misses a game for the first time since late in the 2009 season, when a calf injury sidelined him for three games.

Hester, who is second on the team with 22 receptions, has missed only four games in his six-year career. If he cannot play, Earl Bennett is expected to start at wide receiver and Johnny Knox will figure more prominently in a return role. The Lions are hurting somewhat on special teams. Punter Ryan Donahue is questionable with a right quad injury and the Lions signed Robert Malone on Friday to likely replace him. Kicker Jason Hanson is probable with a left knee injury.

Defensive end Julius Peppers, who missed practice Thursday, did return and is probable. He was on the field with a bulky brace on his left knee, which was injured in Monday night's victory in Philadelphia.

"He's a quick healer," Smith said, referencing Peppers' move from doubtful to the starting lineup last month against the Vikings after he injured his right knee in the first meeting with the Lions."