3. What impact will Akiem Hicks have in his return?
While nothing’s official yet, the Bears have been hinting all week that defensive lineman Akiem Hicks will give it a go this week in their biggest game of the season. Hicks has been on injured reserve since Oct. 15 after he dislocated his elbow against the Oakland Raiders in Week 5. But it sounds like he’s ready to make his return.
In the season opener, Hicks registered a sack of Aaron Rodgers, and that’s something the Bears are going to need to do Sunday to get the win — pressure Rodgers. While Hicks won’t be 100%, no one is at this point.
But if Hicks does return, which all signs point to, he would solidify the middle of the Bears defense. But more than that, he’s a leader on this team and a vocal guy that can get his guys fired up.