FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 1/4/2009 9:36pm et

ChicagoBears.com reports the Chicago Bears are confident WR Devin Hester will be able to progress and make the next step at wide receiver. Head coach Lovie Smith said, �At times he played like a [No. 1] receiver. If you just look at the progress that he made from start to finish, locking in at one position for the first time in his career � we like the progress he made, so there�s no reason to think he can�t take another jump.�

The Huddle Take: Interesting bit of news for fantasy owners as it appears the team intends to keep moving Hester in the direction of a primary receiver. Without much at the quarterback position it doesn't pose a huge threat at the moment, but one never knows what a few months can bring. Look for him to improve on a solid but not spectacular 2008 next season.

Posted: 9/25/2008 2:52pm et

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester (ribs) is participating in practice Thursday, Sept. 25. He is being limited in practice but it increases his chance to play in the team's Week 4 game.

The Huddle Take: That would be good news for those who have Chicago's defense/special teams unit, but that's it. There's no way Hester is going to be any sort of factor at wide receiver. Kyle Orton's going to have a hard enough time finding his "real" wideouts against Philadelphia.

Posted: 9/19/2008 11:34am et

The Associated Press reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester (ribs) now says that his ribs are simply bruised. Hester previously told reporters that he had torn cartilage. Hester remains a game-time decision for Week 3. "It's a lot better," Hester said after practice Thursday, Sept. 18. "It's improved a lot, and I'm feeling a lot better."

The Huddle Take: Hester's ribs have taken a beating this week: first they were bruised, then he said there was "a little torn cartilage", and now they're back to just being bruised. All along Hester has maintained he would be available for this weekend's game, which is the bottom line. Whether the injury limits him to just wide receiver work or kick return duty—as opposed to handling both chores—remains to be seen.

Posted: 9/18/2008 2:37pm et

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester (ribcage) said he has torn cartilage in his ribcage. He said it is feeling better. He hopes to be able to play Week 3.

The Huddle Take: This could be a matter of how much pain he can take. Downgrade the Chicago defense/special teams unit this week, because one hit could take Hester out of the game. If you took a flyer on Hester as a receiver, it's highly unlikely he'll be taking many snaps -- if any -- at that position this week.

Posted: 9/17/2008 12:48pm et

ESPNews reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester (ribs) is expected to play Week 3.

The Huddle Take: Hester still hasn't flashed much in the regular offense, but his presence on special teams gives the Bears D/ST a nice boost.

Posted: 9/12/2008 8:30pm et

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester (foot) practiced Friday, Sept. 12, and he is probable for Week 2.

The Huddle Take: Hester brings a different element to the Chicago offense and will disrupt opposing defenses just by being on the field. Despite the weak performance as a receiver in Week 1, Hester could be a nice addition as a fourth receiver if you need some added depth for your team especially since he plays against the Packers, Lions and Vikings twice this year.

Posted: 8/3/2008 11:50pm et

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester will make more than $22 million for showing up to training camp with his new contract. Hester signed a four-year extension last week and the contract maxes out at $40 million if he hits the performance-based escalators. If Hester does not play a down at wide receiver, he will still receive $22 million in new money. The contract includes a $5 million signing bonus with $10 million in roster bonuses. A $200,000 workout bonus worth $250,000 for the final four years for a $1.2 million total in workout bonuses. He is scheduled to make $750,000 in 2010, $1.5 million in 2011, $1.6 million in 2012 and $1.8 million in 2013. Hester will receive a base pay of $445,000 this season and $530,000 in 2009.

The Huddle Take: While Hester isn't likely to break any records as a wide receiver, this has a big impact on the team defense of Chicago for fantasy owners. This keeps them as a top option on the special teams potential alone.

Posted: 7/28/2008 10:20am et

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester (hamstring) has been removed from the non-football injury list. He took part in the afternoon session Sunday, July 27, after signing his four-year extension worth up to $40 million.

The Huddle Take: Funny how much healthier you feel after signing a $40 million contract.

Posted: 7/27/2008 10:54pm et

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Chicago Bears WR/KR Devin Hester has been given a new four-year extension worth $40 million. Hester is now under contract through 2013.

The Huddle Take: Now Hester can put his entire energy into his football and developing his craft as a No. 1 starting wideout for the Bears this season. Upgrade Hester on your fantasy draft boards as he will definately be in line for increased action this year especially since he will continue to play on special teams also.

Posted: 7/25/2008 7:34pm et

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Bears WR Devin Hester has been placed on the non-football injury list because he has a hamstring injury and failed his physical with the team. He is able to come off the list and return to practice when he passes a physical.

The Huddle Take: Once Hester is healthy, maybe he'll resume his holdout. It's far too early to worry about an injury, but hamstring issues can linger and Hester's game is all about his wheels. Worse, any camp time he misses reduces his opportunity to work with the first-team offense and puts a damper on his fantasy prospects.