Bears pleased for Johnson

His former Bears teammates were glad to hear that defensive tackle Tank Johnson signed with the Dallas Cowboys.

"I talked to him (Tuesday)," said defensive tackle Tommie Harris. "He's excited about it, I'm excited about it and I'm looking forward to it, hopefully being over in Hawaii (at the Pro Bowl) with him."

Johnson won't be eligible to play until at least the ninth game of the season, pending a review of his eight-game suspension by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

But Johnson is in an advantageous situation given that Cowboys starting nose tackle Jason Ferguson is on injured reserve.

"I'm happy for him that he's getting another chance to redeem himself and his career and show if he's on the right path or not," said quarterback Rex Grossman. "You like to see that from a guy you've been with for a couple years and you know what kind of guy he can be."

Johnson signed a two-year deal for the league minimum -- prorated this year for whatever portion of the season he plays. "I'm glad that somebody gave him a chance," tight end Desmond Clark said. "I believe he's a good guy, and he can help somebody's football team (if he can) get down there and stay out of trouble. I believe he'll have a pretty decent career. He got derailed a little bit, but he'll come back, he'll bounce back and he's going to stay out of trouble."

Even though Johnson can't practice with his new team until his suspension is served, he has been in contact with Cowboys officials.

Harris isn't worried that Johnson will supply his new team with any secrets about his former teammates.

"About me?" Harris said. "There's not much he can say. 'He gets upfield.' I think they all know that."

Back in action: Rookie tight end Greg Olsen went through a full practice for the first time this month and is expected to play Sunday against the Cowboys.

"Now, it's just a matter of getting back in shape a little bit,'' said Olsen, who is wearing a brace on his sprained left knee. "It feels really good.''

Rex Grossman wasn't sure how much Olsen would help the struggling offense, since he hasn't played since the preseason finale.

"That's hard to tell,'' Grossman said. "I know we've missed him just from the fact that we've installed a lot of our offense, and he's been a big part of it. He's a playmaker. He's a mismatch for most safeties going out to cover him. It just gives you more options."

Happy return: Devin Hester was named NFL special teams player of the week for his seventh career return touchdown, a 73-yard punt return in the 20-10 win over Kansas City.

Hester's 7 return touchdowns are the second-most in franchise history, one behind Pro Football Hall of Famer Gale Sayers. In his second season, this is Hester's fourth career player of the week award.

What a kick: Punter Brad Maynard (groin) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and is expected to play on Sunday.

Dirk Johnson, who filled in for Maynard last Sunday, was released. Cornerback Ade Jimoh (ODD-ee Gym-oh), who was released last Saturday to make room for Johnson, was re-signed.

Sitting it out: Defensive end Alex Brown (ankle), guard Ruben Brown (shoulder), defensive tackle Tommie Harris (hamstring), center Olin Kreutz (ankle) and cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. (back) were held out of practice Wednesday but are expected to be on the field today.