It’s a good thing Akiem Hicks is one of the Bears’ burliest players at 6-4, 352 pounds, because he’s going to shoulder an enormous amount of pressure when he returns from injured reserve.
The Bears hope Hicks will be back for a crucial game Sunday at Green Bay.
They also hope he’ll vault their defense from fine to ferocious.
Welcome back, Akiem. Now save the season.
As the Bears make a wild charge for a playoff spot over the final three games, it would help if their offense can build off its apparent breakthrough. But they can’t count on that.