After Week 9, the Chicago Bears were 3-5, and their season seemed to be all but over. Fast forward to the brink of Week 15. Now, riding a three-game winning streak, and having won four of their last five contests, the Bears (7-6) are surprisingly a relevant topic when it comes to the conversation of this season’s NFL playoffs.
To keep this postseason dream alive, Chicago will have to continue to gain momentum when they travel to Wisconsin to face their most-hated rival: the Green Bay Packers.
The Bears will have to do so with a laundry list of injuries. Four players are officially ruled out for Sunday’s game, while two more are listed as questionable. Although this could be seen as a negative, Chicago will get a much-needed boost to their starting lineup at Lambeau Field.
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Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is expected to make his return to the field after missing the last eight games due to an elbow injury that was sustained in Week 5. It’s uncertain how many snaps Hicks will get, considering he’s not quite in football shape, but his presence on the line of scrimmage will be a plus. Furthermore, the 6-foot-4, 352-pounder will be needed in the event that Roy Robertson-Harris (foot) is unable to play, or is limited on Sunday. Robertson-Harris didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday, was limited on Friday, and is listed as questionable.
The Bears have had a few challenges against the running game without their Pro Bowl defensive lineman, but they are still ranked seventh in the NFL against the run entering Week 15. Not only should Hicks be of help in stopping the Packers’ ground attack, but he should also assist in improving a pass rush that hasn’t been that consistent this year.
The eyes of Bear Nation will be on Hicks throughout the game, but what else should fans keep an eye on in Week 15? Take a look and see if you agree.