The Chicago Bears were in the middle of one of their warm-ups last month when defensive end Akiem Hicks suddenly left. That was a few weeks ago, but up to now, the real reason why he departed has yet to be touched on. Don't expect that stance to change, at least for the Bears, with Chicago GM Ryan Pace refusing to give further explanation for Hicks' absence.

Via Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times:

Bears GM Ryan Pace won't say why Akiem Hicks mysteriously missed a practice last month because it was too long ago to remember. Ok.

With Chicago still mum on the subject, that particular situation involving Hicks will be further exposed to more speculations.

It's possible that it had something to do with Hicks' contract. He is entering the last season of the four-year $48 million deal he signed with the Bears back in 2017. The 31-year-old Hicks could be looking to get an extension offer from the Bears or a trade. Hicks' absence could also be because of something so minor Pace didn't bother to discuss it even.

Hicks has been an integral part of Chicago's defense that has been solid over the past few seasons. He's seen his production dip, however, in the last two years, as he had recorded just a total of 4.5 sacks combined in 2019 and 2020.