November 21, 2008 The Chicago Tribune reports that Danieal Manning will be the Bears' No. 1 kick returner on Sunday in St. Louis in place of Devin Hester.
Our View:Manning replaced Hester in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Packers and provided an immediate spark on a listless day. He continued to work as the top kickoff returner as the Bears began practice this week. Hester should be able to focus exclusively on developing as a wide receiver. He has 26 catches and two touchdowns this season, but no kick returns for touchdowns.
November 17, 2008 The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Bears went with Danieal Manning on kickoff returns instead of Devin Hester in the fourth quarter of their 37-3 drubbing at the hands of Green Bay. The move was made in order to try and spark the team in the midst of being blown out.
Our View:We doubt that this is a permanent switch, but it should be noted that Manning accumulated 27.3 yards per return to Hester's 22.8.
October 22, 2008 The Bears are looking for ways to get Devin Hester the ball more and he may be employed in the wildcat formation, which has been very successful for the Dolphins this season, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Hester said he would love to get a direct snap from center while lined up in the wildcat formation, and offensive coordinator Ron Turner said, "We have played around with some of it. We actually did some things last year in practice and in training camp this year that we haven't gotten to yet. You have to find ways to get your playmakers the ball. It's something we'll explore as our offense evolves."
Our View:Hester is the most explosive player on the Bears' roster, and he would likely excel and add another dimension to the offense as a threat in the wildcat. He fantasy value would improve as well.
October 19, 2008 Devin Hester will not return to the game for Chicago after leaving the game in the third quarter, according to ESPN.com.
Our View:Hester was injured on the second half kickoff.
October 18, 2008 Bears wideout Devin Hester made his name with kick and punt returns, but he is really struggling in that area as he has become a more effective receiver, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View:Hester is 13th among qualifiers in the NFC averaging 22.6 yards on kickoff returns, and 11th in the NFC in punt returns, averaging 5.4 yards per return. He has been decent as a receiver, though, with 16 catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns.
