The Bears won’t have the game-changing services of kick returner/receiver Devin Hester when they face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Hester (concussion) was officially ruled for Sunday after missing his second practice in a row on Thursday.
“Hester is getting better,” coach Lovie Smith said after practice.
But then Smith added, “[it will] be awhile still.”
Hester suffered his concussion last Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Veteran Eric Weems took over Hester’s spots on offense and special teams and will do so again this week against the Seattle Seahawks.
“Devin is a great player, great athlete, great teammate, a great all-around everything,” Weems said afterward. “One man down, the next man has to step up.”
Hester was only on the field for eight plays against the Vikings. He didn’t have a catch, but had a six-yard punt return early in the first quarter and was tackled by safety Harrison Smith. He briefly remained in the game following the hit.
Hester was then ruled out in the second quarter after being taken to the Bears’ locker room.
It’s been an up-and-down season for Hester so far. He’s yet to return a kick for a touchdown, while having 18 catches for 203 yards and one touchdown.
