Akiem Hicks Health Update Offers Clearer Picture Ahead of Sunday

Akiem Hicks was forced to leave the Chicago Bears' victory in Washington on Monday night early. He was diagnosed with a knee injury and see wearing a brace afterward, walking with a noticeable limp. With a quick turnaround next Sunday against the rival Minnesota Vikings, this has left some people worried about the severity of the injury. Will Hicks miss this pivotal contest? Head coach Matt Nagy didn't offer any definitive answers to that question on Wednesday.

He declared that it was unlikely Hicks would practice that day. As to whether he would or would not play? Nagy stated that the defensive end would be a game-time decision. That might not be encouraging to some, but it better than the worst-case scenario. People would've known the injury was bad if the Bears declared him out for the game with days still to go. This at least provides the possibility he might still play.

Hicks has never missed a game in his Bears career. He's dealt with nagging injuries before though this might be the most serious of the lot. Still, he isn't a stranger to playing through pain. One would be wise to never count him out. The Bears certainly hope he can go because they will need him in this game.

Akiem Hicks is a major key to stopping Vikings run game

The primary reason the Vikings are off to a nice 2-1 start this year is running back Dalvin Cook. Minnesota has made concerted efforts to get him established this year. Through three games he already has 375 yards and four touchdowns, averaging a whopping 6.6 yards per carry. This is the biggest test of the season yet for the Bears defense. Their run-stopping unit is one of the best in the NFL, ranking 5th overall.

Big parts of that are nose tackle Eddie Goldman and inside linebackers Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan. Yet people never remember how key Hicks is to that success as well. For all the good he does as a pass rusher, his massive and powerful frame makes it hard to find running room on the edges. It will be hard for the Bears to fill that void if he can't go.