By Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune reporter
8:36 p.m. EDT, May 12, 2012
Dave Toub is not attempting to reinvent special teams.
The veteran coordinator has had success and has been fortunate to work with some top performers, none more electric than Devin Hester. So, when he sees reports the Bears are pulling Hester off kickoff returns, he chuckles.
"It's pretty simple to me," Toub said. "I just laugh when I hear all these stories out here."
So, what is the plan for the NFL's all-time leader in return touchdowns?
"Hester is our punt returner and he is our No. 1 kickoff returner," Toub said Saturday after rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. "He is still our No. 1 kickoff returner."
Speculation has been Hester would focus on punt returns and the addition of Eric Weems and Devin Thomas in free agency would change the dynamic of kickoff returns.
Thomas is no lock to make a roster that suddenly is competitive at wide receiver, though as a kickoff returner Weems is an option. On kickoffs, he averaged 25.6 yards in three seasons with the Falcons and has one touchdown in 113 career returns. Hester has five kickoff return touchdowns in 146 regular-season returns, including a 98-yarder in a 39-10 victory over the Vikings Oct. 16.
The Bears have shared kickoff return duties in the past with Johnny Knox and Danieal Manning, but Hester always has been in the mix and right now Toub says he's atop the depth chart.
"We can put (Weems and Hester) back there and if they kick away from Devin, they'll kick it to Weems and we'll be in good shape."
Reports of his removal from the kickoff return team may have been premature? I think lots depends on his preformance at wide receiver. The Bears are hedging their bets.
