The Bears have brought in 2 return men this offseason in Devin Thomas and Eric Weems and new quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates has been talking up Hester as a great fit for their new offense. Even offseason acquisition Brandon Marshall has been talking up his fellow wide receiver, saying he expects Hester to outperform him this season.

All this led to some speculation that Hester would not be returning kicks or punts this season to focus on offense. However, according to the Chicago Tribune, they still have him as their top return man and will keep Hester doing what he does best, returning kicks to the house, something he’s done more than anyone ever. The Bears brought in two receivers this offseason in Marshall and rookie Alshon Jeffery, a 2^nd round pick. Between those two and Earl Bennett, it’s definitely possible that Hester opens the season as the #4 receiver, as much as the organization as a whole has been talking him up as a receiver.