Hester's His 54-yard return in the 2nd quarter sets up a touchdown

DENVER -- Now that's the Devin Hester most Bears fans have been longing to see.

Hester, back in familiar territory as a punt returner, looked like his old self with a 54-yard return in the second quarter. It set up the Bears' first touchdown, a 1-yard leap by Matt Forte, in Sunday's 27-17 exhibition victory over the Broncos.

Hester hadn't returned a punt in the Bears' first two exhibitions. But with the starters seeing their most extended preseason action Sunday, it was only natural for Hester to be back in that role. He already surrendered kickoff return duties to Danieal Manning last season.

Hester's return to the return game was not so smooth at the start. He had no chance to field the first punt, and on the second punt, Hester signaled for a fair catch at his own 5-yard line instead of letting the ball go. On his third opportunity, the Broncos kicked away from him.

At least Hester got his feet wet. He has seven career punt returns for touchdowns but did not have one last year. His last punt return for a score was Dec. 30, 2007, against New Orleans, a 64-yarder in the Bears' 33-25 win.



(chicagotribune.com)