clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Devin Hester's status remains up in the air for Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears wide receiver and return specialist Devin Hester is still recovering from a concussion he suffered in Week 12, and his status for Week 14 is unknown heading into the weekend.

Tasos Katopodis

Devin Hester (concussion) hasn't been very explosive in the return game for Chicago Bears this season, and he's always been inconsistent wide receiver, but the threat of Devin Hester is something the Chicago Bears would love to have for their Week 14 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately, Hester is unsure if he will be ready to go against the Vikings.

Hester says he's feeling a bit better, but he is still waiting for an independent neurologist to clear him to play, per league rules (via ESPN Chicago):

"I'm getting better as the days go. I can't really tell from this point on, but the progress is getting better and better. So I'm staying in shape, and when that time comes for them to clear me, I'll be ready.

"The biggest thing is making sure I'm healthy once I step on the field."

The Bears defeated the Vikings, 28-10, in the first matchup of the season thanks to some inopportune fumbles from Adrian Peterson, but Hester was knocked out of the game with a concussion and he hasn't been back on the field since Nov. 25. The Vikings handed the Bears premium field position when Hester lined up as the return man during that game - the kickers avoided Hester at all costs and kicked the ball short or out-of-bounds - so if he is unable to suit up the Bears offense might have a tougher task to accomplish.

Eric Weems didn't impress anyone with his returns in Week 13, so it's unlikely that he would receive the same treatment from Minnesota.