The loss of Chicago Bears’ defensive tackle Akiem Hicks to injured reserve was most noticeable during Sunday’s blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints.
The Bears allowed their second consecutive 100-yard rusher, and the defense just came out flat against a Saints team minus its Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees and Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara.
You kind of wonder what would the result have been if they’d played?
The good news? Hicks sounds optimistic that he’ll be ready to return before the end of this season.
The bad news? It might be too late for the Bears.
“I feel great,” Hicks said Monday on ESPN 1000. “I’m optimistic about the time frame of getting back on the field. I’m really taking this experience as more of a learning experience than anything.”
Hicks is focused on getting back on the field as soon as he can — which in this case is Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers, who might’ve already locked up the NFC North at that point. He’ll be eligible to return to practice two weeks before that, if he’s ready.
“Hopefully we’ll be getting ready for the playoffs,” he said.
Not to get all cliche here, Akiem, but playoffs? Are you kidding me? Playoffs?
While playoffs seem all but a pipe dream at this point, there are still 10 weeks left in the regular season for the Bears to miraculously turn things around — and for the Packers and Minnesota Vikings to stumble to the finish line.
