The Chicago Bears declared star defensive end Akiem Hicks questionable for Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. A “game-time” decision as head coach Matt Nagy put it. Hicks left the Bears’ victory in Washington early with a knee injury and did not return. He was spotted leaving the locker room afterward with a noticeable limp. Hicks hasn’t missed a game yet in his Bears career but after not practicing all week, some wonder if this might end up being the first.
The team has been coy for obvious reasons on this subject, but a recent roster move offers a clearer suggestion of what to expect. Tight end Bradley Sowell was waived on Saturday, opening up a roster spot which the Bears filled with defensive end Jonathan Harris off their practice squad. This suggests that the team either is adding extra depth in case Hicks is limited or more likely that he won’t play at all. As of now, they have a three-man rotation of Roy Robertson-Harris, Nick Williams, and Abdullah Anderson.
Harris would give them a fourth option.
Chicago Bears will have a tough time without Hicks
Surviving big injuries is nothing new for the Bears defense. They had to go two games without star pass rusher Khalil Mack during the 2018 season and three without their premier safety Eddie Jackson. Injuries are part of the NFL reality. It’s just unfortunate for Hicks in terms of timing. The Minnesota Vikings come to town with one of the hottest rushing attacks in the league featuring Dalvin Cook.
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Hicks is one of the Bears’ best run defenders and always seems to play great against Minnesota. Him not being there chewing up blocks could open up some opportunities for the Vikings to take advantage. Not ideal in what is a game with high stakes.
