Remember before the Week 6 Washington Commanders game when the Chicago Bears brought in a left-footed punter, Matthew Hayball, in for a workout for returner Devin Duvernay to prepare for Tress Way? Yeah, they did it again.
The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs reported the team brought in Hayball once again for another workout to work with Duvernay. This time, the Bears are prepping for their Week 7 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
For the second consecutive week, the #Bears had left-footed P Matthew Hayball in for a tryout. New Orleans P Kai Kroeger is a southpaw punter as well.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) October 16, 2025
New Orleans punter Kai Kroeger, who is also left-footed. Good news for the Bears is that Kroeger is actually one of the weaker punters in the NFL, as he ranks 32nd in net yards per punt with 34.
How beneficial is a move like this for the Bears?
Looking back on how this worked in the amazing 25-24 win over the Washington Commanders, it really wasn't a game-changer to be transparent. That's because Washington only punted the ball once with Way, and it went for 30 yards with no Duvernay return. The Bears made sure of the limited punts with three turnovers created.
Still, it may seem like a small thing to do, but there is a competitive advantage to it. This move give Duvernay a chance to play around with how it feels for return a left-footed punt. The movement of the ball and the direction it could go actually have a different impact depending on whether it is played with the right foot or the left foot.
Every rep counts, and this season in the NFL has been proof of how important special teams are. Just ask Josh Backwell how important it is for the Bears.
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At this rate, the Bears might have to start getting Hayball on the payroll for his work, as Chicago is 1-0 when he comes in for a workout. Could he be a good luck charm for the team?