Happy returns in Knox’s future?

As a rookie in 2009, the Bears’ Johnny Knox led the NFL with a 29.0-yard average on kickoff returns, an accomplishment that earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl.

But last year, when Knox was focused on being the team’s leading receiver, he returned just 8 kickoffs, averaging 22.8 yards.

Danieal Manning handled most of the kickoff returns, although Devin Hester averaged 35.6 yards on a dozen chances.

With Manning gone via free agency and Hester focusing on punt returns and wide receiver, Knox could be the deep man on kickoffs, especially after his 70-yard return Saturday.

“(Special-teams coordinator Dave) Toub hasn’t told me anything yet,” Knox said. “I’m just trying to make the best of it and make plays when I can.”

At least for now, Knox has lost his starting job to Roy Williams, although he still is expected to be a vital cog in the offense.

“I know what I need to do,” Knox said. “I just have to handle my business on the field, and that’s what I came to do.”

Hester was impressed with Knox’s long kickoff return against Buffalo.

“It was a great return,” Hester said. “We know Johnny is a great returner. He has showed us that since Day One. He’s capable of taking it the house anytime.”

No golden rule: A new rule this season moves the spot of kickoffs up 5 yards to the 35, making it relatively easy for most kickers to reach the end zone.So the Bears purposely kicked off from their own 30 early in Saturday#146;s game to prevent Robbie Gould from putting it into the end zone for a touchback and thereby getting an opportunity to evaluate their kick coverage.#147;We know (Gould) can kick it out (of the end zone),#148; coach Lovie Smith said. #147;(But then) we#146;re not really getting good evaluation of what we can do coverage-wise. That#146;s what we were trying to get done.#148;After the Bears kicked off twice from the 30, the NFL informed them that the rule requires teams to kick from the 35, which they did for the remainder of the game.Could be worse:The Soldier Field playing surface didn#146;t exactly get glowing reviews, but it wasn#146;t criticized either.#147;I don#146;t know, it is what it is,#148; quarterback Jay Cutler said. #147;I don#146;t think it#146;s going to change, so we#146;re just going to play on it.#148;Looking ahead:The Bears are back in Bourbonnais for the remainder of the week, practicing at 2:30 Monday, 7 p.m. Tuesday, 2:30 Wednesday, 7 p.m. Thursday and 1:30 p.m. Friday.They are scheduled to break camp Saturday after a morning practice that will be closed to the public and the media.