Prior to Thursday’s practice, Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy delivered some not-so-encouraging news regarding DT Akiem Hicks’ status for Sunday.
Nagy expects that Hicks will be a game-time decision for a pivotal division showdown against the Minnesota Vikings.
Hicks, who is battling a knee injury, has not missed a start since 2015, and this would be horrible timing for the eight-year veteran to miss his first start in four years.
If Hicks can’t go Sunday, his loss would be impactful to say the least. It was during last year’s Week 11 primetime contest where Hicks destroyed everyone in his path, coming up with clutch stops on third down and even getting after Vikings QB Kirk Cousins.
The Bears will have to face one of the NFL’s most dangerous run games in the Vikings, led by Dalvin Cook and rookie Alexander Mattison. There’s no substitute for Hicks’ presence on Chicago’s defensive line, in particular when it comes to stopping the run.
Hicks was able to play through what Nagy said was “wear and tear” in last Monday’s win against the Redskins before exiting in the fourth quarter. We’ll see if Hicks will be good enough to go for what’s an early must-win for the Bears.
With DT Bilal Nichols’ status up-in-the-air, Chicago’s defensive line depth is about to be tested.
