Since training camp opened with safety Eddie Jackson on the non-football injury list with a hamstring issue, the Bears’ defense has yet to be at full strength in its quest to regain its lost glory.
That doesn’t look like it’s going to change any time soon. With linebackers Roquan Smith, Danny Trevathan and Robert Quinn already out, defensive end Akiem Hicks was a mysterious absentee Tuesday after leaving practice during warm-ups.
Hicks’ departure occurred after coach Matt Nagy addressed the media Tuesday morning. And the Bears did not divulge any information about Hicks’ absence after practice. Nagy was seen talking to head trainer Andre Tucker on the practice field after Hicks left, then had what looked like an extended serious conversation with general manager Ryan Pace, presumably about Hicks’ situation.