Devin Hester News

Devin Hester could see a reduced role in the Bears passing game
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February 9
NBCSports.com
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"Although Devin Hester was the Bears' No. 1 receiver in 2009, Martz indicated that Hester could see a reduced role in the passing game in 2010. Martz said he could see using Hester as the slot receiver, the way the Rams used Az Hakim, and Martz also hinted that Hester could see an increased role in the return game."
Hester has super homecoming week
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February 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester experienced the joy of Super Bowl Week without having to actually play in Super Bowl XLIV in Miami. "Being back home has been really cool," Hester said. "I got to visit my old high school, childhood home and … to party with my boys." Hester also visited his old barbershop, where some of his buddies gave him a hard time. The Bears wide receiver/kick returner hosted a party at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Invited guests included Gabrielle Union, Tony Gonzalez, Alyssa Milano, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Lil Jon."
Recovering from injuries, Hester looks forward to playing for Martz
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February 5
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Devin Hester is in a suite on the top floor of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. On the ground level outside, around a striking and sprawling pool, Hester's celebrity guests -- who eventually included rapper Rick Ross and actress Kellita Smith (''The Bernie Mac Show'') -- arrive and pose with guitars on a red carpet in front of a dozen photographers. The classy event is courtesy of one of Hester's sponsors, the energy drink Red Bull, in the days leading up to the Super Bowl. Naturally, Hester wishes he could be playing Sunday at Sun Life Stadium, but he still feels at home because his roots are deep in the area (he was born in Riviera Beach and went to the University of Miami). ..."
Bears' Hester would like bigger kick-return role
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February 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester is excited about Mike Martz's arrival as the Bears' new offensive coordinator, but said Thursday that he would like to go back to having a bigger kick-return role. "I would love to get back in that situation with the return game," Hester told "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on WMVP-AM 1000. "But at the same time, I'm a team player so wherever y'all want me to go, I'm ready to do it." Hester hasn't scored a touchdown on a kick or punt return since 2007 after running back 12 for TDs in 2006 and '07, including a kickoff return in Super Bowl XLI. He said becoming a full-time receiver has taken its toll. "I know what I'm best at," Hester said. "The return game is my bread and butter, so ..."
Bolts' FB duo shares it well
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January 8
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Not to go all "Brian's Song" or anything, but among the Chargers, the two running backs are known as "Salt and Pepper." Probably not because of how they season their food at the training table. Not only do Mike Tolbert and Jacob Hester play pretty much the same position, fullback, but they first joined the Chargers at the same Btime last year. The highly drafted Hester arrived straight from the big time, national-champion LSU and the mighty Southeastern Conference, the undrafted Tolbert from somewhat smaller Coastal Carolina and the Big South. "I met him the first day I got here and we've been cool ever since," Tolbert said. "We came in together, played on special teams together. We room ..."
Cutler likes receiving corps' future
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January 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"So this is what the plan was all along for the Bears' young receiving corps. Devin Aromashodu providing a big target going deep or a fade route. Greg Olsen battling for catches over the middle and finding openings in the end zone. Devin Hester making plays in space after quick passes. Aromashodu had his second straight outstanding game Sunday in the 37-23 season-finale win over the Lions. He caught five passes and scored two touchdowns. Olsen also had five receptions for 94 yards and a TD. Hester caught three passes, including a key 48-yarder from quarterback Jay Cutler. "Cutler has been playing well lately, so he has been making it easy for all of us," said Aromashodu, who caught the ..."
Devin Hester look to regain return form
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January 3
Chicago Tribune
 
"Whenever Devin Hester needs a little reminder of his dynamic return ability, he flips on the video of his 97-yard kickoff runback against the Lions in 2007. "It was kind of like ... there was a certain return we had, but I went another way, kind of created, and then broke a couple of tackles," Hester said. "I have to find myself, get back into that rhythm where one guy is not going to bring you down." Hester, a two-time Pro Bowl returner, would love nothing more than to have a flashback Sunday when the Bears visit the same Ford Field. After missing the last three games with a mild calf strain, Hester seems likely to return punts and kickoffs in the season finale against the Lions, with ..."
Hester, Payne removed from injury report
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January 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Bears completed their final practice of the 2009 season on the first day of 2010 inside the Walter Payton Center this afternoon, and wide receiver Devin Hester (calf) and safety Kevin Payne (ankle) were good enough to be removed completely from the injury report. Safety Craig Steltz is probable after having full participation in practice. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) is also probable. Linebacker Lance Briggs was added as probable with a back ailment. Safety Al Afalava, wide receiver Johnny Knox and safety Danieal Manning will not play."
If Hester returns, what happens to Aromashodu?
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January 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"So let's assume Devin Hester is healthy enough to play Sunday in Detroit. Does that mean Devin Aromashodu's role will be reduced significantly? Given what Aromashodu did Monday, he belongs on the field as much as possible. The problem is Aromashodu and Hester both are primarily flankers. But Hester has the position versatility to play anywhere -- it's just that he has majored in flanker and minored in the other positions. Aromashodu doesn't have as much experience in the system, so it probably would be best to have him stay put. Hester can replace Johnny Knox, who is expected to miss the game with an ankle sprain, at split end. He also can take some snaps from Earl Bennett in the slot. It ..."
Hester re-enters picture as return man
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January 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"Wide receiver Devin Hester had full participation in practice this afternoon in the Walter Payton Center for the first time since injuring his left calf muscle Dec. 13 against Green Bay, putting him on track to play in the season finale at Detroit on Sunday. Hester is expected to return punts and with Danieal Manning (calf) and Johnny Knox (left ankle) both expected to miss the game, he could get his first action as a kick returner since the opener at Green Bay. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub has many options, including veteran returner Rashied Davis, wide receivers Earl Bennett, Devin Aromashodu and Juaquin Iglesias, and rookie cornerback D.J. Moore would be another option."
Hester unlikely to be ready for Vikings
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December 27
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester is questionable for Monday's game with the Minnesota Vikings but it looks like the wide receiver will miss his third consecutive game with a left calf muscle strain. Hester was limited in practice today in the Walter Payton Center, and although he came back to practice on Wednesday, he's yet to have full participation. "Devin was able to do a little bit,'' coach Lovie Smith said, as good of a hint as any that Hester will not go. The Bears (5-9) don't have a pressing need to get Hester on the field. He hasn't been cleared for a complete return to practice, and the forecast is for the game-time temperature to be near 20."
Hester likely to miss Ravens game
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December 18
Baltimore Sun
 
"Hester likely to miss Ravens gameDecember 18, 2009 9:54 AM | 1 Comment By Vaughn McClure A left calf strain will keep Devin Hester out of practice again today, according to a league source, meaning Hester is likely to miss his second consecutive game Sunday at Baltimore. The receiver did some light running on the side during Thursday's practice, but Hester doesn't have his full explosiveness back, which would limit him as a receiver and punt returner. Hester should be ready to go when the Bears host NFC North rival Minnesota for Monday Night Football, Dec. 28. Also linebacker Jamar Williams is expected to practice today coming off an ankle injury."
No. 1 priority: Getting Cutler back on track
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December 18
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Now that Devin Hester's secret sources have confirmed change you can believe in is coming to Halas Hall, let's offer a word of direction for general manager Jerry Angelo: Don't forget to stay the course. Not with the coaching staff per say, but with his declaration last year that the franchise was ''fixated'' on the quarterback position. No one really gives a tweet whether Hester's prediction was taken out of context. It just offered an opportunity to talk about firing offensive coordinator Ron Turner, a prospect that seems to be gathering momentum. If Hester hadn't delivered in a locker-room interview, there was enough from Jay Cutler to start discussing the idea. Cutler had an ..."
Chicago Bear Devin Hester takes shot at offensive coordinator
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December 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"Thank you, Devin Hester, for acknowledging the elephant in the room. No, that's not another shot at Orlando Pace. That's referring to a Bears offense that any objective soul at Halas Hall realizes needs better imagination, communication and, ultimately, change. That's referring to the simmering frustration Hester allowed to boil over Wednesday during an unintended and unexpectedly candid rebuke of Ron Turner's offense. Turner's exit seems imminent. The Bears already might have reached out via intermediaries to gauge the interest or availability of potential offensive coordinator candidates. Teams that haven't scored more than 21 points in 11 of 13 games must do their research, and that ..."
Hester says media 'blew my interview out of proportion'
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December 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"After reading what he had to say this afternoon, Devin Hester wasn't too happy. So the Bears wide receiver tried to throw a giant I-was-taken-out-of-context net over his comments regarding potential change within the organization, and his role in the offense. Hester took to his official Twitter account and used five tweets in an effort to remove his foot from his mouth, or something like that. "I feel like the media blew my interview out of proportion and that everything I said was reworded or taken the wrong way,'' Hester wrote. "When I am asked, 'Will there be changes?' my answer is 'yes,'" he wrote. "What I mean is; there will always be new guys (rookies, trades or coaches). "That goes ..."
Hester frustrated with Bears offense
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December 16
Chicago Tribune
 
"If you have been frustrated wondering why the Bears offense hasn't found more inventive ways to get Devin Hester the football this season, imagine how Hester feels. That frustration left little to the imagination today at Halas Hall as Hester stood at his locker and candidly assessed his increasingly limited role. "It's tough watching other teams, other offenses find ways for their guys to get their hands on the ball better (than we do),'' Hester said. "We've had some plays we had called during the week we weren't able to call during games because of certain situations.'' Hester, who missed the Green Bay game with a calf injury that is improving, has 54 catches for 682 yards and three ..."
Bears' Hester expected to remain out when practice resumes
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December 14
Chicago Tribune
 
"Bears wide receiver Devin Hester is expected to remain sidelined with a calf strain when the Bears return to practice Wednesday, according to a league source. Hester suffered a mild left calf strain in the Bears' 17-9 win over the Rams. He sat out Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Packers after not practicing all last week. Hester could be questionable for the next game at Baltimore, but the injury is not considered to be anything more than a strain."
Bears' Johnny Knox enjoys another big day against Packers
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December 14
Chicago Tribune
 
"Johnny Knox seems to save his best for the Packers. In the season opener, he had 82 receiving yards against Green Bay. Sunday he had 83 receiving yards, a career high for the rookie. In two games against the Pack, Knox is averaging 23.6 yards per catch. Knox was given extra playing time Sunday with Devin Hester sidelined with a calf injury. He knew he had to step up. "All the receivers, we always try to step up, even if Devin is here," Knox said. "We missed him today, but D.A. (Devin Aromashodu) stepped up big. He made some great plays." Knox made some great plays too, including a 19-yard touchdown catch near the end of the second quarter that put the Bears on the board. "I was singled up ..."
Time for young Bears receivers to make their mark
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December 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"It's hard to imagine the Bears benefiting from playing without leading receiver Devin Hester, but they could. Hester, listed as questionable on the team's injury report after missing practice all week, is expected to miss Sunday's game against the rival Packers at Soldier Field with a mild left calf strain. His anticipated absence would mean more opportunities for inexperienced wide receivers Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox, and Devin Aromashodu. Giving the trio extended work could be a positive step toward preparing for the future. "I feel like we can pick it up," Bennett said. "We have some guys who can come in there and make plays. We have a bunch of guys who can step in for Devin and play a ..."
Hester did not practice Friday, expected to miss game Sunday
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December 12
Chicago Sun-Times
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"Wide receiver Devin Hester (calf) did not practice again Friday and is not expected to play against the Packers. Left tackle Orlando Pace (groin) practiced on a limited basis and will be a game-time decision, coach Lovie Smith said. Linebackers Lance Briggs (knee) and Hunter Hillenmeyer (groin) and defensive tackles Tommie Harris (knee) and Israel Idonije (knee) are probable."
Hester KO'd by calf strain
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December 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Receiver Devin Hester has a mild calf strain, an injury that should not keep him from playing against the Packers on Sunday at Soldier Field. Hester injured his left calf on a third-quarter run in the Bears' 17-9 victory over the Rams. He fumbled the ball, then recovered. Hester left with just over 13 minutes remaining in the quarter."
Hester should be OK for Packers next week despite injury
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December 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Bears receiver Devin Hester has a mild calf strain, an injury that should not keep him from playing against the Green Bay Packers next Sunday at Soldier Field Hester injured his left calf on a third-quarter run play today in the Bears' 17-9 victory over the Rams. He fumbled the ball, then recovered. Hester left with just over 13 minutes remaining in the quarter and did not return. "When I hit the ground, my calf was feeling funny,'' Hester said. "We're going to test it out tomorrow. It's just real sore right now, really fresh. Tomorrow we'll see how it feels.""
Lovie Smith has Chicago Bears players' backing
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December 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"As the Bears limp through a dismal 4-7 season, speculation continues to mount concerning Lovie Smith's future. And the players continue to stand behind him. Receiver Devin Hester spoke out in favor his coach Monday. "I don't think anything's going to happen to Lovie," Hester said. "He's going to be here next year. It's not all his fault. It's the players' fault the majority of the time." Even if the players accept the blame, that won't stop the rumor mill from spinning out of control. The latest talk from Pro Football Weekly's Hub Arkush had the Bears reaching out to former Steelers coach Bill Cowher through a third party, although the Bears denied the report. "We've got to worry about ..."
Can Chicago Bears Devin Hester take advantage of Antoine Winfield?
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November 29
Chicago Tribune
 
"Last Sunday against the Eagles, the Bears had an opportunity to take advantage of Sheldon Brown but didn't pick on the hobbled cornerback too much. Sunday against the Vikings, there's a chance Devin Hester and the receiving corps could face cornerback Antoine Winfield, who's coming off a fractured right foot. "If a guy is coming back from an injury, then he's probably going to be full go," Hester said of Winfield. "You have to look at it like he's 100 percent. We can't worry about (his status). We just have to play our game." The balanced Vikings don't struggle in too many areas, but pass defense is one of them. Winfield returned to practice this week after missing the last four games, ..."
Chicago Bears' Devin Hester focuses on getting 'back into a groove'
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November 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester could have blamed Thursday's mental lapses on the hours he spent at his fiancee's side, waiting for their son to be born. "Yeah, I was focusing a lot on the baby all week," Hester said Monday. "The majority of my focus was there. "But I can't blame it on that. I just have to get back into a groove." Hester indeed was out of rhythm in the Bears' 10-6 loss to the 49ers. It started with a false-start penalty. He also slipped on a route, leading to one of Jay Cutler's five interceptions. "If I keep my feet, it's a great pass," Hester said. "That interception is all on me. It was all my fault." Hester was whistled for offensive holding immediately after the false start. And he was ..."
Hester expects to play; Boldin less certain
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November 7
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Bears won't be without their top wide receiver, and the Arizona Cardinals just might have their No. 2 guy after all Sunday at Soldier Field. Devin Hester returned to practice for the first time this week on Friday with his sprained right ankle and participated in portions of practice. He looked fine running around, and although he's listed as questionable on the injury report, he's expected to start. The Cardinals also got wide receiver Anquan Boldin back on the field Friday in a limited capacity, and he also is questionable. Boldin suffered a high ankle sprain on Oct. 11 and was knocked out of last Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers. He has vowed to play, and the Bears are ..."
Bears' Devin Hester says he's full-go for Sunday
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November 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"When asked if he would have any limitations coming off a sprained right ankle, Bears receiver Devin Hester responded, "none whatsoever." So that means Hester should have little trouble zipping by the Cardinals' cornerbacks come Sunday, right? "They do bite on double moves," Hester said. "(But) they're really good at breaking on routes. "They play really, really flat-footed a lot. But other than that, there are some areas in there where they can be beat. They showed that on film. And we just have to learn from it and try to do the same thing." The health of Hester and Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin could make for an interesting subplot Sunday. Hester sat out the previous two days before ..."
Devin Hester misses 2nd practice
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November 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"Another practice passed with Devin Hester standing on the sidelines with an ankle injury, but no one seemed overly concerned about the possibility of the Bears' top receiver missing Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Hester said he is looking forward to practicing Friday. In Hester's absence the Bears coaches were able to give Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu more practice reps, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. No secrets: An interesting dynamic exists whenever Bears coach Lovie Smith faces Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner because Smith was the defensive coordinator on Rams teams Warner quarterbacked for three years. Smith said he considers Warner a friend for life -- but they ..."
Bum ankle slows Hester
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November 5
Daily Southtown
 
"Devin Hester limped around the practice field Wednesday afternoon at Halas Hall but the wide receiver vowed to be on the field Sunday when the Bears host the Arizona Cardinals, a team that might be without a top receiver itself. Hester suffered a sprained ankle near the end of Sunday's victory over Cleveland, and could be back on the practice field today. "I'm all right,'' Hester said. "I'm going to play.'' Whether Anquan Boldin will be able to go for the Cardinals remains to be seen. He missed practice Wednesday because of a sprained right ankle that has been hobbling him for nearly a month, and was re-aggravated in Arizona's home loss to Carolina. Pocket play The Denver Broncos used ..."
Gimpy Hester still expects to play Sunday vs. Cardinals
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November 5
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Wide receiver Devin Hester limped around the practice field Wednesday at Halas Hall, but he vowed to be on the field Sunday, when the Bears host the Arizona Cardinals. Hester suffered a sprained ankle near the end of the victory over the Cleveland Browns, and he could be back on the field today. ''I'm all right,'' Hester said. ''I'm going to play.''"
Devin Hester out of practice with ankle injury
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November 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"Bears receiver Devin Hester sat out Wednesday but said he expects to return to practice this week after suffering an ankle injury Sunday. Hester said a Browns defender fell on his ankle on a screen pass in the 30-6 victory over the Browns. "Just a little swollen," Hester said. "I'll be ready." Coincidentally, Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin, a player the Bears considered trading for, is sidelined by a right ankle sprain but expects to play against the Bears. Scaling back? After the Bears scored just two touchdowns on seven trips to the red zone against the Browns, an upset Ron Turner said the lack of execution could lead to simplifying the offense."
Bears' Hester says he'll be OK for Falcons
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October 8
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"As if the neck brace he left Soldier Field wearing on Sunday wasn't a big enough giveaway, Devin Hester moved to clear up further confusion about what body part he injured when he made an early departure from the victory over the Detroit Lions. Hester suffered a strained neck when he was crunched by Lions defensive backs Louis Delmas and William James early in the second quarter. He sat out practice Wednesday at Halas Hall but vowed to be back for the Oct. 18 game at Atlanta after the bye week. Meanwhile, wide receiver Johnny Knox was back on the field three days after leaving the game with a shin injury. As far as where the notion came that Hester had a shoulder injury, he said: ''I don't ..."
Devin Hester says neck will be fine for next game
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October 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"So much for Devin Hester's shoulder injury. The Bears receiver said his neck, not shoulder, was a concern after he went down Sunday against the Lions. Hester suffered a strained muscle in his neck after getting crunched by Lions defenders William James and Louis Delmas. Hester went to the sideline and dropped to his knee in pain. "Anything dealing with your neck, you're pretty much nervous," Hester said. "It's just a little strained muscle in my neck. It's nothing major." Hester, who sat out Wednesday's practice, will be ready to go Oct. 18 when the Bears face the Falcons after the off week. "I'm good," Hester said. "... I'll be ready for this next game.""
Hester, Knox, Peterson KO'd by injury bug
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October 5
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Bears' wide receivers passed the test through the first four games in terms of production. Now we'll see if they can pass a health test. Devin Hester was knocked out of the game Sunday early in the second quarter on a two-yard reception when he was hit by Lions defensive backs Louis Delmas and William James. The Bears called it a shoulder injury, but Hester left Soldier Field wearing a neck brace. Johnny Knox was next to go, being sent off in the third quarter with an injured right shin. The duo has combined for four touchdowns and been a reliable vertical threat for an offense that entered the season with nothing but question marks at the position. Neither injury is believed to be ..."
Bears concerned about Devin Hester's shoulder injury
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October 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"The last thing the Bears needed was another blow to a key player, but Devin Hester's absence from the sideline in the second half with a shoulder injury caused some concern. Hester suffered the injury with 11 minutes, 55 seconds left in the second quarter. After catching a 2-yard pass on second-and-goal from the 4, Hester got crunched by Lions cornerback William James and safety Louis Delmas. He did not return. "Obviously, (we're) concerned," offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. "It's bad enough for him to leave the game. And I don't know exactly what it is, but it sounds like he's going to be OK." The NFL Network reported Hester had a stiff neck and would be fine for the Bears' next ..."
Glimpse of the 'old' Hester
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September 1
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Before the Bears had a 98-yard touchdown drive Sunday at Denver, they had a four-yard touchdown drive, a reminder of what Devin Hester means to the special teams. Hester never got on track as a return man last season. He eventually ceded his responsibilities on kickoffs to Danieal Manning and looked more like Leon Johnson on punts, averaging 6.2 yards per return, almost nine yards fewer than the year before. But after a quick dash right and a turn upfield on a 54-yard return against the Broncos, Hester appeared to be back. It was the quick, decisive kind of move he made as a rookie in 2006, when he had three touchdowns, and again the next year, when he ran back four punts for touchdowns. ..."
Bears' Cutler confident he'll connect with Hester
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August 27
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Devin Hester learned the first lesson of working with Jay Cutler: Don't stop running. On Saturday against the New York Giants, Hester blamed his failure to catch a potential 92-yard touchdown pass on coming back for the ball, considering how far he had slipped behind the defense. Instead, the nearly 60-yard pass from Cutler thrown on the run fell to the ground. It was a meaningless missed opportunity in a preseason game, but the kind of misread that could cost the Bears when it counts. ''I thought I was too far out,'' Hester said. ''Even the defenders that were guarding me slowed down and started going back toward the line, and Jay threw it over all our heads. Now I know. Just keep going. ..."
Hester learns not to underestimate Jay Cutler's arm
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August 27
Chicago Tribune
 
"While Jay Cutler took responsibility for putting him in a bad position, Devin Hester shouldered blame for the two missing on a first-quarter deep ball in Saturday night's 17-3 exhibition victory over the Giants. Cutler launched a missile on the run that sailed over Hester's head. Hester, who admitted not being used to such arm strength, was asked what he learned from the play. "Keep running just as fast as you can ... no matter what," he said. "If he gets out of the pocket, don't do any scrambling drill. Just keep going. I thought I was too far out. Even the defender guarding me slowed and started going back toward Jay. He threw it over all our heads. Now I know ... don't stop." Happy ..."
BEARS IN BRIEF: Hester satisfied with Cutler's spin
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August 18
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Jay Cutler's comments regarding his first interception as a Bear didn't sit well with Devin Hester until he went to the quarterback to find out what was going on. Cutler, throwing off his back foot in the face of a collapsing pocket Saturday at Buffalo, was easily intercepted by Leodis McKelvin when his pass to Hester was underthrown. 'Devin is more of a go-get-it guy. He is not really a back-shoulder or jump-up-and-get-it [guy],'' Cutler said. ''You learn from it. We made some mistakes.'' ''I was [offended] when I read it,'' Hester said, ''but then he said he didn't say it. You can't go with what the papers say. You've got to go to the source and see what really happened, and he told me ..."
Bears' Devin Hester fine with Jay Cutler's explanation about postgame remarks
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August 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"Although more controversy was the last thing Devin Hester wanted after Saturday's game, the Bears wide receiver was honest about his feelings regarding Jay Cutler's postgame statements. After Bills defensive back Leodis McKelvin picked off a deep ball Cutler probably shouldn't have launched while on his back foot -- a ball intended for Hester -- Cutler addressed the matter after the game by saying: "Devin is more of a go-get-it guy. He's not really a back-shoulder, jump-up-and-get-it [guy], and ... you learn from it. You make some mistakes. It's a preseason game." Hester, who admitted he could have made a better play on the ball, was asked Monday if he was offended by the statement. "I ..."
Devin Hester comes to defense of Jay Cutler
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June 26
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester says he has heard enough. He is tired of hearing the criticism that new Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is not a mature, capable leader. "If you haven't been around a person like Cutler, how could you say something like that?" Hester said before appearing in a photo shoot Monday evening at Soldier Field for an Under Armour commercial. In recent weeks, Super Bowl-winning coaches Tony Dungy and Mike Ditka have been among those who have expressed reservations about Cutler's maturity level. "Can't judge a book by its cover," Hester said. "If you haven't sat down and talked to him, how could you say something like that? He's calm in the huddle. He makes us laugh and he jokes around ..."
Devin Hester comes to defense of Jay Cutler
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June 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester says he has heard enough. He is tired of hearing the criticism that new Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is not a mature, capable leader. "If you haven't been around a person like Cutler, how could you say something like that?" Hester said before appearing in a photo shoot Monday evening at Soldier Field for an Under Armour commercial. In recent weeks, Super Bowl-winning coaches Tony Dungy and Mike Ditka have been among those who have expressed reservations about Cutler's maturity level. "Can't judge a book by its cover," Hester said. "If you haven't sat down and talked to him, how could you say something like that? He's calm in the huddle. He makes us laugh and he jokes around ..."
Jay Cutler to Devin Hester: Already in sync
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June 4
Chicago Tribune
 columnist David Haugh
"One play into Wednesday's full-team Bears scrimmage session confirmed the most interesting bit of progress at Halas Hall still three months before the 2009 season-opener. Jay Cutler glided back into a seven-step drop, set his feet in a pocket protected by left tackle Orlando Pace, and peered downfield where wide receiver Devin Hester had gotten a step on his defender. For aesthetic purposes, ignore for a moment that cornerback Zack Bowman was limited in how physical he could get with Hester in this non-contact drill. But that is beside the point. The point that will be driven home whenever the Bears offense takes the field from now until September came in the way Cutler's arching spiral ..."
Bears coach Lovie Smith still wants Devin Hester returning punts
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May 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"It seems reasonable for Devin Hester to get less work on special teams as he continues to evolve into a No. 1 receiver. Of the 32 receivers with 60-plus catches last season, only four -- Wes Welker (Patriots), Steve Breaston (Cardinals), Eddie Royal (Broncos) and DeSean Jackson (Eagles) -- doubled as primary punt returners. But even with a couple of capable rookies at the Bears' disposal, coach Lovie Smith has no plans to give Hester a break from punt-return duties. "No way," he said. "Devin has the chance to score every time. If one of those [rookies] is a better returner than Devin, then we will put them back there. "Devin can be a full-time receiver and handle one other return." ..."
Devin Hester eager for Jay Cutler passes
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April 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester all but salivated as he envisioned fielding deep balls from new Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. But as he continues to evolve as a receiver, Hester would welcome help at the position. He even has someone in mind. " Torry Holt," Hester said. "In my opinion, he still has two good years left in him. "From going to the Pro Bowl, I picked his brain. We talked about route running. He seems to have a lot of knowledge. I could pick his brain some more for a few years, and that would really help us out." Problem is, Holt, 32, reportedly had a good visit in Tennessee and could end up signing with the Titans. The former Rams star also visited Jacksonville. But Holt has a history with ..."
Bears' Hester excited about upcoming commercial shoot
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March 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"Plans for Devin Hester to participate in a promotional air stunt Thursday had been, well ... up in the air. As part of his new partnership with Red Bull energy drink, the Bears wide receiver/kick returner originally agreed to ride in an "acrobatic" helicopter that can perform flips. Then came word Monday morning that tornadoes along the East Coast would prevent the Red Bull stunt helicopter from leaving its base in Florida. The decision was made Monday night to have Hester ride in an Albatross aircraft, which is capable of landing on lakes, rivers, oceans or runways. The Albatross will make its way from Tennessee to Palwaukee Airport near Waukegan for Thursday's event. A Bears official ..."
Chicago Bears' Devin Hester must show progress quickly
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March 21
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Dan Pompei
"Watching Devin Hester run past defenders in minicamp this week made it easy to forget that his move to full-time wide receiver last season clearly was a failure if viewed within the context of a one-year vacuum. Unless, that is, your idea of success if finishing 49th in the NFL in receiving yards and not having a single 100-yard receiving game. The Bears clearly are counting on Hester progressing and becoming better this season. That is not an unreasonable expectation, given his inexperience and ability. But how much better will he be? The thinking behind putting Hester at wide receiver full time was to get the ball in his hands more often. That barely happened. He had 120 touches in 2008, ..."
Still a fan favorite, Hester only Bear ahead in voting
Comment
December 12
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The ''vote early and often'' motto that applies to city politics didn't help the Bears in Pro Bowl balloting. Returner Devin Hester was the only player to lead his position in fan voting that closed this week. The fan vote counts one-third in the process, with players and coaches each getting one-third of the say. Six-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker Brian Urlacher was second at inside linebacker behind Washington's London Fletcher. The Redskins assembled the kind of voting machine one would expect in Chicago as they won balloting at nine of 19 positions. Urlacher led the fan vote last season but didn't finish in the top five at his position and missed the Pro Bowl for the first time when ..."
Hester struggles, Manning emerges
Comment
December 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"Lost in the hand-wringing over the Devin Hester conundrum has been the re-emergence of Danieal Manning, not only as a quality defensive back but as a better kickoff return man than Hester. Manning ranks eighth in the NFL with a 28-yard average on 21 kickoff returns and no returner with more than 20 returns has a higher percentage of them over 40 yards—Manning has four (one every 5.25 returns). Whenever Hester wants to get serious about becoming a dangerous return man again, he can put in the videotape of Manning zipping straight upfield like a guy frantically trying to catch a missed bus. As for Manning on defense, this is about the time the Bears' coaching staff typically has forced him ..."
Hester a ridiculously fascinating story
Comment
December 8
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"When Kyle Orton saw Devin Hester with just one defender lined up against him, and the rest of the defense crowding the line, he changed the play call, took the ball and fired to Hester for 30 yards. It was a perfect combination, where quarterback, receiver, and even the ball all are together as one. But what page were they on, exactly? What wavelength? Was that play in the fourth quarter Sunday the outcome of a budding telepathy, the start of one of those special QB-receiver relationships? I don’t think so. It was a simple fade that worked, because the only time Hester is a great receiver is when the playbook in his head says one thing: Run like hell. Well, that worked for big plays twice, ..."