CHICAGO _ The Bears will be without defensive lineman Akiem Hicks for at least eight weeks after they placed him on injured reserve Tuesday afternoon.
Hicks, a Pro Bowler last season, would be able to return to practice in six weeks. The earliest he could play is the Dec. 15 game against the Packers in Green Bay if he is designated to return.
Hicks injured his left elbow early in the Raiders game when Khalil Mack's helmet struck his arm and it bent awkwardly as he fell into a pile of players. Bears coach Matt Nagy wouldn't confirm whether it was dislocated but said Hicks was in a lot of pain.
The Bears must now try to move on without a player who has 24 sacks, 39 tackles for a loss, 56 quarterback hits and five forced fumbles since joining the Bears in 2016.
Hicks previously missed the game against the Vikings with a knee injury. The Bears shut down the Vikings running game without him, but they didn't have the same success after he left the Raiders game. Raiders running back Josh Jacobs rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries.
The Bears could get a defensive line reinforcement soon as Bilal Nichols returned to practice Monday after breaking his hand in Week 2.
The Bears signed offensive lineman Alex Bars from the practice squad to take Hicks' roster spot.
