BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Chicago Bears kick return star Devin Hester returned to training camp today, but the team did not say whether he had signed a new contract.

Hester skipped the Bears' first practices this week in a holdout.

Bears spokesman Scott Hagel said he didn't know if the two-time Pro-Bowler will practice or if he has signed a contract.

Hester, who also played wide receiver last season, has two years remaining on his initial deal. The Bears' second round-draft pick in 2006 has said he skipped practices to make a statement that he was serious about a new deal, and that $445,000 a year was not enough money.

Offensive coordinator Ron Turner said Hester's return improved his mood.

"Big smile, big smile, happy he's here," he said. "We're just anxious to get him in the mix."

Hester thrilled fans with 11 punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns in his first two seasons, including taking the 2007 Super Bowl opening kickoff 92 yards for a score.

As a receiver last season, Hester had 20 receptions, with an 81-yard TD.

The Bears have given new deals this offseason to Lance Briggs, Tommie Harris, Brian Urlacher, Desmond Clark and Alex Brown. And on Wednesday they signed this year's first-round pick, Vanderbilt tackle Chris Williams, to a five-year deal reportedly worth $16 million.