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Since Devin Hester was drafted by the Bears in the 2006 NFL Draft, the return position for the team has been mostly secured by Hester, although the team has tried other players for kickoffs. The team is doing that again in 2012, as it has turned kickoff return duties over to Eric Weems.
Hester, 30, is out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks with a concussion, but the decision was made to replace him prior to the injury. He has been fairly consistent in 2012, running 25.5 yards per kickoff return, 1.7 yards more than his career average; however, he hasn't had the explosive returns yet. Hester's best return of the season is 38 yards.
Weems, 27, is in his first season with the Bears after five seasons with the Falcons. He represented the NFC return specialist in the 2010 Pro Bowl after accumulating 1,100 yards on 40 kick returns, including a 102-yard touchdown return.