NFL Notes: Hester’s return a record

Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears set an NFL record with his 11th career punt return for a touchdown, running one back 69 yards against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in Chicago.

Tied with Eric Metcalf coming in, Hester took over the record early in the second quarter when he fielded a line drive by Jason Baker.

Hester broke a tackle and turned up the left side, performing three somersaults after crossing the goal line for a 24-10 lead.

A three-time Pro Bowl pick, Hester is the league’s all-time leader for combined touchdowns on kick returns with 15.

Injury report

Ben Roethlisberger limped around the Pittsburgh Steelers’ locker room, unsure if his injured left foot might send him to the sideline next week.

The Pittsburgh quarterback certainly had plenty of company in the trainers’ room after the Steelers’ 17-10 loss at Houston on Sunday. The Steelers also lost linebacker James Harrison (eye), running back Rashard Mendenhall (hamstring), defensive end Aaron Smith (foot) and linebacker Jason Worilds (left quad) during the game.

Down the hall in the Texans’ locker room, Houston was concerned about All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson, who left with a hamstring injury.

It was a tough day for injuries all around the league, with Miami quarterback Chad Henne (left shoulder), Dallas safety Gerald Sensabaugh (concussion), Tennessee safety Chris Hope (broken arm), Seattle wide receiver Mike Williams (concussion) and Cleveland cornerback Joe Haden (sprained knee) and wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (shoulder) all leaving their games.

NFL goes pink

The NFL went pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Players, coaches and officials wore pink on the field and the sidelines during games with the color gracing caps, cleats, gloves, wristbands, chin straps and officials’ whistles, while footballs included pink ribbon decals.