The Chicago Bears knew their lives were about to get more difficult when Akiem Hicks suffered his gruesome elbow injury back in October against the Raiders. There was genuine fear the defensive end was done for the season. In the end, he was placed on Injured Reserve with the hope that he could be designated for return by December. Provided of course that the team could keep itself afloat long enough for that to matter.
It almost didn't work out that way. The Bears crumbled to a 4-6 record and looked like they were set up for a knockout punch. Thankfully they managed to circle the wagons and fought their way to two wins over the Giants and Lions. Neither was easy but then again nothing is in the NFL. This creates a window of opportunity. Chicago will play host to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football next week. Another team that is struggling after two deflating losses to New England and Buffalo.
If the Bears can pull off a win there and reach 7-6, Hicks would be elgible to return for the climactic rematch against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15. It seems head coach Matt Nagy is just as excited about that prospect. He reported to the media that the hope is Hicks will return to practice this coming Sunday and begin working himself back into game shape.
Akiem Hicks is clearly chomping at the bit
It's become evident that Hicks is not happy on the sideline. His recent blowup on ESPN 1000 with Waddle & Silvy over an offhanded joke about his injury proves that. The guy is a competitor and is desperate to get back out on the field to help his team win. The defense has clearly missed him. Not only is the pass rush far less effective, but their run defense has also become a bit leakier in recent weeks.
That is what happens when you lose star players. Getting him back will be huge. Especially if the Bears can get past the Cowboys. Then the defense would be at full strength to take on Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, and the Vikings in the final three games.
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