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Devin Hester Returns to Atlanta Falcons Practice

By John Buhler

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Devin Hester returned to practice today with the Atlanta Falcons. Hester missed the first three games of 2015 while battling turf toe. Atlanta sits at 3-0 entering their Week 4 matchup at home versus the Houston Texans.

The Atlanta Falcons have been without their Pro Bowl Kick Returner/Wide Receiver Devin Hester since Week 2 of the preseason. Hester has battled turf toe since this first of two trips to the Meadowlands for the Atlanta Falcons, the one that didn’t count, coincidentally.

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While Devin Hester, OLB Brooks Reed (groin surgery), RB Devonta Freeman (toe) and FS Ricardo Allen (knee) were all limited participants in Wednesday’s practice at Flowery Branch, WR Julio Jones (hamstring), TE Jacob Tamme (concussion) and RB Tevin Coleman (rib) did not practice today for the Atlanta Falcons.

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Injuries are part of the game we love to watch on the weekends, but it seems like our standout kick returner is getting closer to playing for the Atlanta Falcons on Sundays. WR Eric Weems has done a remarkable job filling in for Hester. Since Weems is a former Pro Bowler on special teams, Atlanta was fortunate to have a high-end replacement in Hester’s extended absence.

Atlanta already has great special teamers in Weems, LB Nate Stupar, K Matt Bryant, and P Matt Bosher to name a few. Special Teams Coordinator Keith Armstrong’s unit is on the verge of getting even better once Devin Hester is able to suit up on Sundays.

Besides on special teams, I’m sure that OC Kyle Shanahan can’t wait for Devin to get back on the field as a 4th string wideout. We’ve seen Julio Jones become all-world in the first three weeks and WR Leonard Hankerson actually outperform Falcons veteran wideout Roddy White in the last two games.

4th Round Pick WR Justin Hardy has not dressed out for any of the Atlanta Falcons first three games, as HC Dan Quinn opted to go with WR Nick Williams. That may have more to do with Williams’ familiarity with Shanahan’s offensive system during their time together in Washington that Hardy’s rookie status.

Will Devin Hester has a positive impact when he’s healthy enough to return kicks? Of course, but I think he can help make the wide receiving corps better when he does return. Hester, Jones, Weems and White are the only four remaining Atlanta Falcons in WR Coach Terry Robiskie‘s position group from 2014.

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    • White was not a factor in the receiving game the last two weeks and who knows if Jones can keep this ridiculous receiving pace up all year long? Hester is most effective with the ball in his hands. He’s not the best route runner, nor does he have the surest hands in the receiving game.

    However, I know that OC Kyle Shanahan wants to use Devin Hester’s explosiveness any way he can on Sundays, whether that’s in the slot, in the flats, or even on a well-designed crossing pattern. Hester has the uncanny ability to make tacklers miss and that’s invaluable

    I have to believe that the Atlanta Falcons get better in two phases of the football game, special teams and offense, when Devin Hester is able to play in a game this year. There’s no need to rush him back, as Weems is more than capable for picking up the slack in the return game. However, for the receiving game to really take off for Shanahan, the new Atlanta Falcons’ OC will need Hester back at full strength here shortly. Rise Up!

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