Bears vs. Vikings: Alshon Jeffery and Devin Hester will play

Bears head coach Lovie Smith has confirmed that wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Devin Hester will play on Sunday versus the Minnesota Vikings, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Hester has been recovering from a concussion while Jeffery is rehabilitating after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.

Hester has 18 receptions for 203 yards and one touchdown this season and missed last week's overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Jeffery, the team's second round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, has 16 receptions for 199 yards and two touchdowns this season but has missed the six of the last seven games as he recovers from a knee injury.

The Bears passing attack is averaging just 181.8 yards per game which ranks 31st in the league. Brandon Marshall leads the Bears with 91 receptions for 1,182 yards and eight touchdowns.

Last week's loss to Seattle dropped the Bears to 8-4 on the season. Chicago is tied with Green Bay for first place in the NFC North division.