LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Now with the Broncos, brash former Bears punter Todd Sauerbrun insists that Denver will kick the ball to Devin Hester in Sunday’s game at Soldier Field. 

“We’re not going to kick away from him,” Sauerbrun told The Denver Post. “We respect him and he’s the best, but we have guys on our coverage teams that are paid to make big tackles.”

Bears All-Pro Devin Hester celebrates one of his three touchdown returns this season.

The Broncos have performed much better on special teams in recent weeks than they did earlier in the season when they allowed Buffalo’s Roscoe Parrish—a former teammate of Hester’s at the University of Miami—to return a punt 74 yards for a touchdown.

When informed of Sauerbrun’s comments, Broncos special teams coach Scott O’Brien said: “That’s easy for Todd to say. 

"We have to look at the situations and the circumstances that give us the best chances. [Hester] is one of the best to ever play. He is making people notice that position again. We’ve gotten better, but we have to stay that way.”

Hester ranks second in the NFL in punt returns, averaging 15.9 yards on 28 returns. The dynamic second-year pro has returned five punts, three kickoffs and one missed field goal attempt for touchdowns in 26 regular season games with the Bears.

Home sweet home: After a bye week followed by back-to-back road games in Oakland and Seattle, the Bears return home for the first time in four weeks Sunday when they host Denver.

“There’s definitely home-field advantage, especially when our defense is on the field,” said quarterback Rex Grossman, who will make his first start at Soldier Field since a Week 3 loss to Dallas.

“Seattle’s crowd definitely caused a few false starts for us. If our crowd could do the same for our defense, it would be huge. But Seattle’s a loud place. I’m not sure if the architecture of that place helps out or not, but their fans were definitely going nuts, and it would be nice to have the same result for us.”

The Bears (4-6) feel that they must snap a three-game home losing streak Sunday to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

“It’s about a six-game season now for us,” said coach Lovie Smith. “We know the fans will be into it. We’ll need their help, and we plan on doing our part this time around.”

Injury update: Cornerback Nate Vasher (groin) remained sidelined Friday and was listed as doubtful on the injury report for Sunday’s game. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) also missed practice and was listed as questionable, but Smith said that Harris “should be able to go.”

Cornerback Trumaine McBride (hip) and fullback Jason McKie (foot) both were limited in practice and listed as questionable. Wide receiver Bernard Berrian (toe) practiced without restrictions and was listed as probable.

Vasher is expected to miss his eighth straight game with an injury he sustained Sept. 23 in a loss to the Cowboys.

“My story hasn’t changed,” Vasher said. “I wish I had better news for you guys. But hopefully things will come around and I can get back out there sooner or later.

“It’s been frustrating for me ever since I did it. I never want to miss a game. I’ve just got to bear with it and do the best I can.”

For the Broncos, running back Travis Henry (knee) is doubtful; running backs Selvin Young (knee) and Paul Smith (calf) and receiver Javon Walker (knee) are questionable; and receiver Glen Martinez (ankle), defensive end John Engelberger (shoulder), guard Chris Kuper (thigh) and tackle Matt Lepsis (ankle) are probable.

Still going strong: Tight end Greg Olsen, the Bears’ first-round draft pick from Miami, hasn’t hit the “rookie wall” that he’s heard so much about.

“I feel good,” said Olsen, who has played in eight games since missing the first two contests with a sprained knee. “I haven’t played the whole season, but I feel great. My body feels good and I feel energetic and ready to go. Each week is getting better and better.”

Why, then, does the phenomenon seem to affect so many players?

“I think what happens is that guys see the college season is coming to an end and they say, ‘Wow, last year I was done [at this time],’” Olsen said. “That’s not the case. I enjoy coming here every day and look forward to the next string of games. There is a lot on the line, so that makes it exciting.”