Chicago Bears wide receiver and return man Devin Hester missed practice again today, according to Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune. This is the third consecutive day that Hester has watched while his team practiced. Hester turned his ankle in the fourth quarter of the Bears’ win over the Eagles on Monday night.

Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith was “hopeful” that Hester would be able to play in a key division game against the Detroit Lions this week. That represents a shift in Smith’s unofficial verbal classification scheme. After missing practice yesterday, Smith reiterated his confidence that Smith would play this week. He may be a game-time decision.

Hester has one punt-return touchdown and one kick-return touchdown this season. He has 432 yards on 18 kick returns and 180 yards on 12 punt returns. Hester was selected as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for week 6 this season.

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