The Chicago Bears defense lost one of its starters last week when linebacker Roquan Smith was sent to injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle. But they received some good news with the return of defensive tackle Akiem Hicks.
The Bears activated Hicks off IR and to the active roster ahead of tomorrow’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
Hicks suffered a dislocated elbow against the Oakland Raiders in Week 5, and he was sent to IR shortly after with the potential to return in Week 15. While the belief was that Hicks would be ready to make his grand return against the Packers, the team made it official on Saturday.
Tight end Ben Braunecker (concussion) has been placed on injured reserve, which freed up the roster spot for Hicks.
In Week 1 against the Packers, Hicks had one sack of Aaron Rodgers, and he’ll be looking to replicate that this Sunday in a game that, for all intents and purposes, is a playoff game for the Bears.
