Denver doesn't plan to avoid Bears' Hester

ENGLEWOOD -- Some teams kick out of bounds against the Chicago Bears and dangerous returner Devin Hester. Others squib kick to avoid giving Hester a chance at a big play.

Denver punter Todd Sauerbrun said he doesn’t think the Broncos are going to avoid kicking to Hester this Sunday.

“We’re not worried at all,” Sauerbrun said. “We respect the hell out of him, don’t get us wrong. Absolutely. But we’re not going to go out there tiptoeing around.”

Hester has returned five punts and three kickoffs for touchdowns in his two seasons. Hester has broken long returns despite many efforts to keep the ball out of his hands.

“I think we’ve seen it all,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said.

Sauerbrun said special teams coach Scott O’Brien’s style is not to kick away from a player.

“We’re not going to do it,” Sauerbrun said.

Kicking away from a player is difficult and can lead to short kicks and good field position for the opponent without a return. Sauerbrun thought that kicking away from someone also sent a bad message.

“It doesn’t look good, it really doesn’t,” Sauerbrun said. “Yeah, and I know it doesn’t look good if he brings it back for 80 yards, but we want to make plays.

“We’re here to make plays and help the team win, not help the team not lose.”

Good news, bad news

Receiver Javon Walker, who has been out since Denver’s third game, returned to practice Wednesday. Coach Mike Shanahan said Walker should be ready to play Sunday, and Walker agreed.

“If I can come out here and run some good routes against these guys, these (defensive backs), I’m pretty sure I’ll be ready to go on Sunday,” Walker said.

Denver’s running back situation is more of a mystery. Travis Henry and Selvin Young missed practice because of knee injuries. Young strained some ligaments Monday against Tennessee but didn’t tear any, Shanahan said. Shanahan said he didn’t know if Henry or Young would play Sunday.

“It’ll be day by day,” Shanahan said.

If Henry and Young are out, Andre Hall could get his first start. Fullback Cecil Sapp also could play tailback.

Shanahan said he has received no update on Henry’s appeal to the NFL over a pending one-year suspension for violating the league’s drug policy. A final ruling might not come until next week.

Receiver Glenn Martinez has a sore ankle and didn’t practice. Shanahan said he will be re-evaluated today.