FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) -- The Atlanta Falcons have released star return specialist Devin Hester before the opening of training camp.
Hester is a three-time All-Pro who set an NFL record with 20 career returns for touchdowns.
A turf toe injury knocked out most of his season in 2015. He had 269 total return yards during the last five games of the year. The injury prevented him from full participation in offseason workouts.
The Falcons expect wide receivers Eric Weems and Devin Fuller and running back Tevin Coleman to compete for spots on kickoff and punt returns.