Hester sits out practice; McGowan out for season

Brandon McGowan, the Bears' nickel back in each of the first two games this season, will have season-ending surgery this week on his fractured left ankle.

McGowan will be replaced by Danieal Manning, who lost the nickel job in the preseason.

Return specialist-wide receiver Devin Hester did not practice Wednesday because of a rib injury, and he is not expected to play Sunday, although the Bears are unlikely to make that decision public until just before Sunday's noon game against Tampa Bay.

Either cornerback Nate Vasher or rookie wide receiver Earl Bennett will return punts in Hester's absence, and Manning will take over the kickoff-return chores.

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