Chicago Bears: 5 players who are big injury risks in 2021

Akiem Hicks might be the most valuable injury risk of the Chicago Bears

Akiem Hicks has been a beast for the Chicago Bears during his time here. In his first three seasons, he averaged seven sacks per year. In 2018 he even forced three fumbles. Unfortunately, injuries have been his downfall in 2019 and 2020.

2019 was the worst outcome as he only played in five games. A bad elbow injury sidelined him early for most of the season. He did his best to fight through his injuries, but sometimes a body can only handle so much.

2020 was better as he started 15 games but also dealt with enough nagging injuries that kept him from playing up to his caliber of play. He finished the year with only 3.5 sacks. He also was unable to help others perform better by taking on double-teams. The hope is that at age 32, Hicks has not lost a step. This will be the true test as Sean Desai supposedly will run a similar defense as Vic Fangio — the last defense Hicks played in at an All-Pro level.

This defense needs Hicks and Khalil Mack to step back up with their sack totals. Hopefully, Robert Quinn will find his footing again too. This defense should be bringing more consistent pressure than it has the last two years.