Bears’ Bennett might play against Bucs

Wide receiver Earl Bennett practiced without restrictions Wednesday and could play Sunday for the first time since Week 2 when he took a helmet to the chest from New Orleans Saints safety Roman Harper.

“He’s just a dependable guy who does a great job in the slot,” coach Lovie Smith said. “He’s a consistent football player in just about any role we put him in, from being on special teams to returning a punt to, of course, playing receiver.”

Bennett has been one of quarterback Jay Cutler’s favorite targets since they played together at Vanderbilt.

“I love playing with Earl,” Cutler said. “He’s a tough player who helps the run game and the pass game. Without him, obviously we took a little step back.”

Wide receiver Devin Hester (chest) and tight end Kellen Davis (elbow) did not practice Wednesday, but Smith expects both back Thursday.

Offensive tackle Gabe Carimi (knee) and defensive tackle Matt Toeaina (knee) did not practice and are not expected to play until after the off week following the Bucs game. Carimi was able to do some individual rehab and strengthening work on the side.

Family heirlooms:Veteran defensive tackle Amobi Okoye was impressed by rookie Stepehn Paea#146;s NFL debut against the Minnesota Vikings that included a sack for a safety on his second NFL snap.#147;It definitely raises the bar for everybody,#148; Okoye said. #147;During camp, I said that even the guys that we let go after the cuts, that everybody here is a starter, (or) a potential starter in the NFL.#147;It does nothing but get each and every one of us better because there#146;s no room to slack. He had a great first outing.#148;Okoye recalled his first NFL sack as a rookie with the Houston Texans in 2007.#147;It was against the Panthers and Jake Delhomme,#148; Okoye said. #147;I had a 2-sack game, actually. It was the second game of my rookie year.#148;Okoye said he saved some mementos from the milestone.#147;The helmet, the cleats, the gloves,#148; he said. #147;I think I might have kept the jock strap.#148;Something special:Devin Hester was named NFC special-teams player of the week after scoring on a 98-yard kickoff return Sunday against Minnesota and setting up a field goal with a 27-yard punt return on his only opportunity.The touchdown was the 17th return touchdown (including a 108-yard score on a missed field goal) of his career, tied for second most in NFL history with Rod Woodson, and trailing only Deion Sanders (19).Hester has reached the mark in just 82 games, while Woodson played in 238 and Sanders in 188.Hester added 91 receiving yards on 5 catches Sunday, including a 48-yard touchdown grab and received two game balls from his teammates, one each for his contributions on special teams and in the offense.ŸFollow Bob#146;s Bears reports via Twitter @Bob LeGere and check out our Bear Essentials blog at dailyherald.com.