Lake Forest, Ill. ? Devin Hester walked off the far end of the field and dodged the rush, the way he often does on kick returns.

It was a nifty misdirection.

This time he avoided the media, but the bigger issue is whether the Chicago Bears’ elusive return specialist will be able to perform similar moves against Tampa Bay on Sunday. Hester did not practice Wednesday after undergoing an MRI the previous day for a left rib injury and his status for the home opener remains in question.

Asked about the test results, coach Lovie Smith said, “I definitely don’t go over anything like that.”

He also said he wasn’t sure if Hester would practice this week or play Sunday.