Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (23) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

The Bears confirmed some bad news on Thursday as they ruled out a pair of players for Sunday’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.  Wide receiver and kick return specialist Devin Hester has been ruled out after suffering a concussion last week while guard Chris Spencer will also sit out while he recovers from a knee injury suffered against the Vikings.  (more…)

WR/Special Teamer Eric Weems will make the Chicago Bears a better team in many ways in 2012. (Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber- US PRESSWIRE)

There has been a lot of hubbub surrounding the Chicago Bears offseason signing of wide receiver/special teamer Eric Weems.  Many people are worried that he will be replacing Devin Hester on returns, so Hester can concentrate on only being a receiver.  Personally, I’m not buying it.  If Weems is here to replace anyone, it’s Johnny Knox.  Hester should be the punt returner and Weems should be the kickoff returner.

I’ll start off by saying that kickoff returns are quickly becoming extinct in the NFL due to the kickoffs moving up to the 35-yard line.  In 2010, 31 of 32 teams averaged more than three kickoff returns per game compared to only 7 of 32 teams in 2011.  The Bears ranked second last year with 3.5 kickoff returns per game, but I think that number will decline as teams are looking for stronger-legged kickers.

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