One of the biggest challenges for any NFL team is to remain somewhat lucky on the injury front. It’s something that the Chicago Bears were able to do in 2018, where they didn’t suffer any significant losses long-term.
But the 2019 season was another story. The Bears suffered a number of injuries, including some significant losses on defense and offense. Chicago defense lost three of its best players and their top three tight ends all landed on injured reserve.
Luckily, this offseason has given those players an opportunity to get healthy heading into a crucial 2020 season.
Let’s take a look at nine players the Bears are getting back from injury heading into training camp.
DT Akiem Hicks
The biggest boost to this Bears defense will be the return of Akiem Hicks, who anchors the middle of the defensive line. Last season, Hicks suffered an elbow injury against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5. He landed on injured reserve for eight weeks before returning for Chicago’s biggest game of the season against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15. But Hicks re-aggravated the elbow injury that held him out most of the season.
Hicks’ return will bolster the entire front seven, including the pass rush, which struggled last season in his absence. Back in May, Hicks shared a video of his first time lifting weights without a brace on his elbow. And he’s confident he’ll be good to go come training camp.
[lawrence-related id=450027,450019,449970,449909]