Bears defensive tackle wants to face ex-teammates

<p align="left">Darwin Walker had to know it was his turn.

<p align="justify">The media logically seek former players of the upcoming opponent for comment whenever possible. Walker played the past six seasons in Philadelphia, where the Chicago Bears play the Eagles on Sunday.

<p align="justify">Eventually, the will-they-pick-your-brains question came up.

<p align="justify">"I think I may know a few things about a player here or there, but the other side knows I'm here as well," he said. "There's not going to be any ancient Chinese secrets I'll be able to give away."

<p align="justify">Walker wants his biggest contribution against the Eagles to come on Lincoln Financial Field, not in pregame preparation.

<p align="justify">The defensive tackle missed last week's game against Minnesota with a knee injury, and he's practicing on a limited basis this week at Halas Hall.

<p align="justify">He says it's more important to get healthy than to rush back early just to play against his former team - as much as he wants to.

<p align="justify">"It's special. I had a great career at Philadelphia. I enjoyed my time in Philadelphia," he said. "I look forward to going back and playing.

<p align="justify">"I don't hold any malice - I'm extremely happy where I am right now. I wouldn't take it back for the world. But I have a lot of great memories there."

<p align="justify">Dealing with Philly fans will be a challenge, he warns.

<p align="justify">"They're great fans," he said, "but they're tough, tough. The Philly fans get a lot of flak. If you look at it, if you lose, they hate you. When you win, they love you just as much, or as passionately as they hated you. You can't argue. You take it as it comes."

<p align="justify">But did they really boo Santa Claus?

<p align="justify">"I know I'll probably get a few boos if I get out there and play," he said. "That's Philly."

<p align="left">Hester, Again

<p align="justify">For the second time this season and fifth time in his career, Devin Hester has been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He's also won the last two NFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors (December 2006 and September).

<p align="justify">Hester not only returned a punt 89 yards for a score Sunday against Minnesota, he contributed offensively with an 81-yard touchdown catch.

<p align="justify">Hester's offensive role has increased each week and is expected to keep growing. He knew he had 22 or 23 snaps against Minnesota, wants more and thinks he can handle it.

<p align="justify">"I still came up with a great return, so I don't feel it will affect the way I play on special teams or offense," he said.

<p align="justify">Earning those awards "is what I was drafted here for," he said. "It's my job. I try to do the best I can because the job doesn't always last. You have to take advantage of it and run with it."

<p align="left">Injury Update

<p align="justify">Chicago's list is shrinking. Only safety Nathan Vasher (groin) is likely to miss Sunday's game at Philadelphia. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (hamstring), guard Ruben Brown (shoulder) and defensive tackle Darwin Walker (knee) are either expected to play or at least practicing on a limited basis this week.

<p align="justify">"Nathan's getting better each day, and Tommie's just a little sore right now," head coach Lovie Smith said. "He should be, hopefully, OK."

Reed Schreck is the NFL writer for the Rockford Register Star. Contact him at 815-987-1381 or rschreck@rrstar.com .