The Chicago Bears defense has been remarkable to begin the season but they'll be without one of their key defensive linemen on Sunday. According to Dan Graziano, Akiem Hicks is not expected to play versus the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4.
Bears DT Akiem Hicks, a key part of Chicago’s run defense, is not expected to play today against Dalvin Cook and the Vikings, sources say. Hicks injured his knee in Monday Night’s game and didn’t practice all week.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) September 29, 2019
The Bears defensive tackle suffered a knee injury in last week's contest against the Washington Redskins. Due to his injury, Hicks failed to log a practice all week and doesn't appear to be in a position to be in uniform on Sunday.
Since signing with the Bears in 2016, Hicks has been vital to Chicago's defense. Along with his ability to stop the run, Hicks can get to the quarterback; he racked up 23 sacks from 2016-2018.
Through three games this season, the Bears have been a stout run defense, allowing just 68.7 rushing yards per game (fifth-best in NFL). Over that span, they have been able to contain Aaron Jones, Phillip Lindsay, and Adrian Peterson at running back.
This week, Chicago will face their toughest test of the season against the Vikings' Dalvin Cook. Cook currently leads the NFL with 375 rushing yards and has surpassed 100 yards on the ground in each game.
Without Hicks, it may be a bit tougher to slow down the rushing attack of the Vikings. Even with Kirk Cousins under center, Minnesota has taken a new run-first approach on offense in 2019. The Vikings have handed the ball off 103 times in three games this season (fourth-most in NFL).
In Hicks' absence, Roy Robertson-Harris will see an expanded role in the defense in Week 4. Robertson-Harris has totaled six tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and three hits on the quarterback this season.
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