Return sensation Hester holding out as Bears open training camp

Angelo said the Bears didn't necessarily have a pecking order this offseason for getting new contracts done with players.

"We did tell Devin we were going to address his situation and we have," Angelo said. "That's where it is. The timing of it maybe wasn't satisfactory to him, but again, those things just kind of run their course."

Hester wasn't the only player missing the first day of drills on a warm but comfortable afternoon at Olivet Nazarene University.

Star center Olin Kreutz (Achilles' tendon) and newly acquired running back Kevin Jones (knee) were placed on the physically unable to perform list, while defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek (calf) and guard Chester Adams (stomach) were put on the non-football injury list.

But it was the absence of the speedy No. 23 that created a buzz on the first day of a camp that will feature an open competition for the starting quarterback's job between Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton.

Grossman won a coin flip at a meeting Wednesday and worked with the first team on the first day. And now they will alternate with the first unit each practice, with Orton getting that opportunity on Thursday.

But when they'll be able to throw to Hester is not clear.

"He's got to do what he's got to do and I'm not really going to comment on it," Grossman said.

Bears coach Lovie Smith said he had spoken with his Hester.

"I don't have any idea how long it will be. We would like to get him out here as soon as possible," Smith said.

"I know he would like to be out here. He realizes how important this work is, especially this early work with him becoming a full-time receiver."