Devin

Hester

Hester was in a cash transaction line just before 11:00 p.m. Friday when a stranger walked up, slapped him in the back of the head and walked away. The 52-year-old man offered no reason for the slap, and the incident blew over with “no brawl, no melee” and “no big scene that took place.”

The Bears are confident Hester’s injury isn’t serious, and we’d look for him to return to practice by Friday. Though Hester is coming off a season-best, 91-yard game as a receiver, he remains strictly a return-yardage league option.

As expected, WR Earl Bennett (chest) is inactive despite turning in a week of full practice. He is expected to return following the Bears’ Week 8 bye. Also inactive for the Bears are OT Gabe Carimi, DE Corey Wootton, DE Mario Addison, DT Matt Toeaina and S Major Wright. With Wright inactive, Chris Harris should man free safety will Chris Conte gets the start at strong safety.

Hester’s chest injury did not appear to be an issue, but he had a quiet afternoon in Chicago’s London excursion, netting just 33 yards on five punt returns and 14 yards on his only kick return. He remains a no-go outside of leagues with return yardage.

“We haven’t come up in my mind with the best solution yet,” he said. “We’re roughly 50/50 on touchbacks vs. kickoff returns. It’s higher than we thought, quite frankly.” Goodell says the league will “clearly look at it at the end of the season.” There has been an average of one kickoff return touchdown per week so far in 2011, which is well below the 2010 average of 1.35.

“Devin’s role has not changed,” GM Phil Emery said. "... We have the Devin Package, a package of plays as a receiver. You never know where he is going to line up.” With Marshall and Jeffrey on the outside and Earl Bennett in the slot, Hester’s offensive snap total will take a dive. He can’t be counted on for more than four or five touches per game in fantasy leagues.

There was speculation that Hester might see a lesser role in the return game after the Bears added Eric Weems and Devin Thomas via free agency. That was especially the case after the coaching staff talked up Hester’s offensive role. It’s hard to believe Hester will play 50+ offensive snaps and handle most of the returns. The latter makes sense, but expect rookie Alshon Jeffrey and slot man Earl Bennett to eventually emerge at wide receiver.

New QBs coach Jeremy Bates apparently “really likes Hester in the new system.” We’re not buying it. The undersized Hester has flopped every time he’s been given a starting opportunity, and the Bears didn’t trade up for Jeffery to man the slot. Even if Hester begins the year as a starter, it shouldn’t take long for Jeffery to be shifted outside. Earl Bennett is the Bears’ best slot receiver.

“I think he’s going to have a bigger year than me,” said Marshall, apparently with a straight face. Marshall feels the maturity of Jay Cutler plus new OC Jeremy Bates’ up-tempo offense will lead to Hester’s breakout season. We aren’t buying it. Hester turns 30 this year and has yet to show signs that he’s a starting-caliber receiver, let alone Pro Bowler. He’ll continue to see a handful of touches, but expect Alshon Jeffrey and Earl Bennett to emerge behind Marshall.

A candidate to open the season on the PUP list following serious back surgery, Knox seems increasingly likely to play a minor role in the final year of his rookie contract. It’s not clear yet if Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, or an early-round rookie will start opposite Marshall at flanker.