Bears laud Hester, with no regrets
On Thursday night, Devin Hester took a punt back 62 yards for his 20th return touchdown, becoming the NFL's all-time leader in return touchdowns - something he had said for years he wanted to accomplish as a Chicago Bear.
But even before free agency began in March, the Bears announced their intention to part ways with Hester, who had been gradually phased out of the offense as a wide receiver, going from 57 receptions in 2009 to none last season.
Hester signed with the Atlanta Falcons, who have utilized his unique skill set more effectively in three games than the Bears did in the previous two seasons combined. Hester also scored on a 20-yard end around Thursday night, and in the Falcons' season opener he caught 5 passes for 99 yards.
On Friday, Bears coach Marc Trestman was asked if Hester's success in Atlanta caused him to second guess the way the wide receiver was used a year ago.
"I think what we should be doing today is celebrating Devin Hester's success and applauding him for that," Trestman said. "He's moved on, and I think that day is beyond and we should be talking about those things and where we are offensively."
After his big game, Hester made it a point to praise Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. Some saw that as a veiled indictment of Bears QB Jay Cutler, who went long stretches of not targeting Hester as a receiver, even before he was completely excluded from the offense last season.
"I'm happy for him," Cutler said. "He seems to be in a good place there. Obviously scoring touchdowns is always a good thing for him. They use him in different ways. Couldn't be more happy for him. He's a good guy. Well deserved for him."
Cutler was also asked if he had any regrets about the way Hester was used in the Bears' offense.
"I haven't watched enough to know how they're using him," Cutler said. "Right now, I'm just happy for the guy."
Trestman and Hester exchanged texts Thursday night.
"I'm excited for this mountain that he's ascended to," Trestman said. "Everybody here knows him as a teammate, and coaches and players love him as a person."
Injury report:
Wide receiver Brandon Marshall (ankle) was back at practice Saturday but limited, as was fellow wideout Alshon Jeffery, and both are questionable for Monday night.
Defensive end Jared Allen (back), safety Chris Conte (shoulder) and wide receiver Josh Morgan (groin) all went through the full practice and are probable.
Center Roberto Garza (ankle), guard Matt Slauson (ankle), defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (concussion), cornerback Sherrick McManis (quad) and linebacker Shea McClellin (hand) all remained idle and were ruled out for Monday night. Defensive end Trevor Scott (foot) is doubtful.
Center Brian de la Puente and guard Michael Ola will start for the second straight game in place of Garza and Slauson, respectively. Jon Bostic will fill in for McClellin, and rookie Will Sutton is expected to start for Ratliff. Sutton and fellow rookie Ego Ferguson will both get more snaps in the DT rotation.