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Atlanta Falcons: Devin Hester’s health could hurt his chances

By Freddie Boston

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Hester (17) returns a punt during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Hester (17) returns a punt during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Falcons return man Devin Hester‘s chances of making the roster could be hurt due to his lingering injuries.

Devin Hester’s future is still very much in the air. The 33-year-old is undoubtedly one of the greatest returners to ever play the game, and when healthy can still offer something to a football team, but the toe injury he dealt with last season is concerning.

Hester was limited to just five games in 2015 and underwent toe surgery in January. His rehabilitation has been slow, but the former Chicago Bear isn’t being rushed back, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of AJC.com:

"“He’s able to do certain things, but he can’t fully do it all,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “I don’t know that I have a timeline for it, but we’re hopeful that it’s prior to camp. But as far as OTAs, I don’t know. That toe has got to be right, and we’re not going to put him out there until it is.”"

Meanwhile, the Falcons appeared to look to the future with the selection of speedy receiver Devin Fuller in the seventh round of April’s draft. Fuller has lightning speed and return ability, but still needs refinement as a receiver. To make a serious impact on the roster right away, Fuller will need to make a noise on special teams, which could be as a replacement to Hester.

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Fuller ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at his pro day and has the potential to develop into a dangerous slot receiver with yards-after-the-catch ability, although his lack of production in college hurt his draft stock.

Fuller will never be as good of a returner as Hester once was, but the key to training camp will be determining what the all-time return touchdown leader can still offer at 33.

In his last fully healthy season in 2014, Hester tallied up 1,128 yards on kickoff returns and 240 yards with one touchdown on punts.

Once a prolific home run hitter, Hester’s touchdown count has dried up in recent years. Between 2006 and 2011, he found the end zone 12 times from punts, but in four seasons since has just two scores.

Ultimately, the battle will take place at training camp. If Hester is fully healthy and ready to go, he’ll have the shot to go head-to-head with the bright young receiver. Maybe there’s a way both wideouts land on the roster, although Fuller is far from guaranteed a spot on the roster despite being selected in the seventh round.

Hester believes he’ll still have the job assuming he’s 100 percent. After all, he made the Pro Bowl during his last healthy year.

"“To be honest, the only way I feel like I can get beat out in the return game is if I don’t come back 100 percent,” Hester said. “If he does [beat me out], he’s going to be the best returner in this league.”"

Next: Five Falcons who must improve in 2016

One of the two Devins will sit atop the depth chart as the team’s returner.

Which one will it be: Hester or Fuller?

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