Concussion knocks Hester out of game

Bears receiver and return specialist Devin Hester left Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings with a concussion.

The injury occurred early in the game, although it was not clear exactly when. The Bears announced he would miss the remainder of the game with about five minutes left in the half.

Eric Weems replaced Hester at receiver and on returns.

Bears running back Matt Forte suffered an ankle injury early on a run midway through the third quarter. He appeared to be favoring his right leg as he slowly walked to the tunnel, and his return was questionable.

The Bears also lost right guard Lance Louis to an injured left knee early in the third after a blindside hit by Minnesota’s Jared Allen. That happened right after the Vikings’ Harrison Smith was knocked out of the game making a tackle on Earl Bennett near the Bears’ sideline.

Smith tried to return to the field and was restrained by teammates. He was being examined for concussion symptoms.