First, he would do so in front of his mentor, Deion Sanders, the NFL Network's sideline reporter for Thursday night's game against New Orleans. Plus, Hester's last return for a touchdown came last December at Soldier Field -- a 64-yard punt return against the Saints.

Hester joked that a touchdown return might impress Pro Bowl voters.

"Last season that return was kind of the nail in the coffin," he said. "Maybe this season it could change the momentum. Most definitely I feel it's something I could do."

Hester has 57 total returns this year without a touchdown.

Decision Friday: While curious minds have wondered why the Williams Wall continues to stand in Minnesota, little has been made of how a judge's temporary decision to block four-game suspensions has affected the Saints.

Vikings defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams could learn their fates Friday as U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson considers the facts behind the players' violation of the league's anti-doping policy. Saints defensive end Will Smith and running back Deuce McAllister await their fates as well, but both are available against the Bears.

Although McAllister isn't the player he used to be, Smith is capable of being a disruptive force. He only has three sacks this season but has averaged 8.4 sacks the previous four seasons.

In other words, Bears left tackle John St. Clair has another tough challenge.

"Any time a guy like [Smith] is missing, it's going to hurt the team, so sure, it's going to help them that he's playing," St. Clair said. "He's a top-caliber player."

Full of doubt: As expected, receiver Marty Booker is all but out of Thursday night's game with a cracked rib on his right side. Booker is listed as doubtful, as is fullback Jason McKie (quad) and running back Garrett Wolfe (hamstring). McKie wasn't expected back until possibly the Green Bay game Dec. 22, while Wolfe could miss the remainder of the season.

For New Orleans, starting left tackle Jammal Brown is out with an ankle injury. Zach Strief, a Northwestern grad, steps into the lineup.

Huddle Up with our team: Get Bears news and views all week long in our Football blog at chicagotribune.com/huddleup