Devin Hester could return soon

Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith usually keeps a lid on injury news on Mondays -- witness last week when he held a press conference without really updating any injuries and then put guard Lance Louis on season-ending injured reserve less than an hour afterward.

So when he offered up nothing new Monday to update the condition of LB Brian Urlacher's hamstring injury, WR Earl Bennett's concussion, CB Tim Jennings' shoulder injury, or other injuries from earlier games, it wasn't surprising.

Smith is hopeful WR Alshon Jeffery returns from arthroscopic knee surgery this week. He was doubtful Sunday and didn't play, but was on the field running prior to the contest. Smith is also hopeful WR Devin Hester can return from a concussion, so he saw no need for the team to go outside the organization and bring in another wide receiver.

"No, we're going to go with the guys we have right now, going to get some guys back this week and we'll be fine," Smith said.

WR Brandon Marshall had mentioned the possibility of signing his friend, Michael Sims-Walker, who made seven TD catches for Jacksonville in 2009 and 2010, but Smith discounted this as the media putting words in Marshall's mouth.

"I think sometimes when you guys ask him about certain guys, you know?" Smith said. "I've got a lot of old buddies and stuff, too. "I think Brandon feels pretty good about the guys that we have here that he is playing with."

Actually, Marshall brought up the topic of new players without being asked, and also suggested moving up WR Joe Anderson from the practice squad.

Bennett's return this week might be more iffy than Hester's, since Hester has had more than a week away. Jay Cutler, DE Shea McClellin and Hester all have had concussions and sat out a game.


(cbssports.com)