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Akiem Hicks should sit the remainder of the season

By Clyde A. Speller

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 20: Akiem Hicks #96 of the Chicago Bears stands on the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field on October 20, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 20: Akiem Hicks #96 of the Chicago Bears stands on the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field on October 20, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /
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The return of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Akiem Hicks to the Chicago Bears’ defensive starting lineup gave the team and many fans some optimism, in regards to keeping their playoff hopes alive when they faced the Green Bay Packers in Week 15.

Unfortunately, Hicks’ presence and play on the field wasn’t enough. Chicago suffered their seventh defeat of the year, and along with the Minnesota Vikings beating the Los Angeles Chargers, the Chicago Bears’ were officially eliminated from playoff contention.

Hicks suited up for the first time since dislocating his elbow in Week 5. In a gutsy effort, the eight-year veteran recorded four tackles against the Pack, but did have to leave the game multiple times because of pain to his injured elbow.

With nothing but pride to play for, head coach Matt Nagy stated to the media that he has no thought of keeping his starters off the field for the final two games of the season—including Hicks. Larry Mayer, Senior Writer for chicagobears.com, posted a tweet about Hicks playing the remainder of the year.

Nagy having the offense playing out the regular season makes perfect sense. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky can definitely use as many reps as possible to get in tune with his receivers, as well as honing his throwing technique and accuracy. In addition, there really isn’t a problem having the defensive starters playing in the final two games as well. However, putting your second-most valuable defensive player on the field when it’s so obvious that he’s not fully recovered from his injury is just ridiculous.

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Hicks has absolutely nothing to prove. He’s established himself as the heart and soul of the defense, and we already know what he’s capable of in the trenches. Putting him in position to potentially make his injured elbow much worse than what it is can put a damper on his career, and the Bears’ 2020 season.

Hopefully, Nagy comes to his senses and makes the smart choice of sitting Hicks for the teams’ final two contests. The 30-year-old defensive lineman is way too valuable to roll the dice on with nothing to play for. Hicks has two more years left on his current $48 million contract, and the Bears need to do everything possible to make sure that they get a huge return on their investment.

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