The two-time Pro Bowl return specialist is well aware of the drought. But he's not reading too much, at least not publicly, into getting his kickoff duties taken away in favor of Danieal Manning late in Sunday's loss to the Packers.

Asked Monday if he needed to do a better job of turning up the field faster, Hester said, "I'm doing whatever I can."

Coach Lovie Smith talked about the possibility of Manning remaining in that role.

"Keep all of our options open," Smith said. "Danieal came in and gave us a little spark there. Each week, you evaluate the video [and] you make decisions based on that. It's good to get Danieal back out on the Football field full speed coming off the hamstring [injury]."

Metcalf returns: Guard Terrence Metcalf rejoined the team Monday following a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances. The Bears have a one-week roster exemption, meaning they won't have to release a player until then.

Extra points: The Bears Sunday night matchup in Minnesota on Nov. 30 will not be subject to flex scheduling, the league announced. ... Rams offensive tackle Orlando Pace will be sidelined two to four weeks with a knee injury and running back Steven Jackson (thigh) already has been counted out of Sunday's game against Bears.