Akiem

Hicks

Hicks joined the Bucs on a one-year deal last offseason and wound up starting 11 games. The veteran defensive lineman totaled 22 tackles and one sack while earning a 61.9 PFF grade. Hicks, 33, is an unrestricted free agent and has had a quiet market this offseason. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him return on a deal similar to last season.

Adam Schefter reported that Hicks tore the plantar fascia in his foot and is expected to miss a month. Josh Wells (calf), who gave way to third tackle Brandon Walton in Tampa’s Week 2 win over the Saints, also won’t play in Week 3 per Bowles. Bowles made the comments on his radio show. It’s possible one or both of these players wind up on injured reserve.

The Bucs also ruled out Akiem Hicks with a foot injury. Third-string tackle Brandon Walton is now on the field at left tackle. Tom Brady’s line has been decimated by injuries. Trist Wirfs is the only starter from 2021 that is on the field today. For the second week in a row, Tampa Bay’s offense looks toothless. The depleted offensive line is not helping them turn things around.

“Up to” is probably doing a lot of heavy lifting as Hicks didn’t have much of a market. Phenomenal earlier in his run in Chicago, Hicks has played just 1,357 snaps over the past three seasons as injuries have hit the 32-year-old hard. He’ll be a good fit for the Bucs in Ndamukong Suh’s old role, assuming he can stay healthier in Tampa.

“Despite the obvious need at wide receiver, I don’t see a scenario in which Allen Robinson returns,” Fishbain writes. Robinson is primed for his pick of one-year prove-it offers, ala A.J. Green last offseason. He’ll turn 29 in August and shouldn’t necessarily be completely written off the fantasy radar, but it was cover-your-eyes ugly in Chicago last year as he finished with just 410 receiving yards. Fishbain also believes Akiem Hicks is likely to leave the Bears in free agency.

Hicks will ultimately miss only one game for Chicago while stuffed on the team’s COVID list. His return bodes well for the Bears’ defense against Mike Glennon and Jake Fromm.

Chicago’s lone remaining pass rusher of their big three is Robert Quinn with Hicks down and Khalil Mack on injured reserve. It’s a good situation for the Seahawks, as the Bears have fallen into 22nd in both pass defense DVOA and run defense DVOA.

Hicks was not healthy enough to play following the bye, and he starts Chicago’s short week off with an estimated DNP -- the Bears did not actually practice on Monday. The defender still has time to get back this week, but his availability is not looking good. On the bright side, the Bears get to face the Lions this week.

Hicks played just one snap before exiting with the groin injury last week versus the Lions. The run-stuffing interior lineman has four QB hits and a tackle for loss in what amounts to three games this year. His loss should give the Raiders a better shot at establishing Josh Jacobs this week.

The Bears granted Hicks – who is now 31 years old – permission to seek a trade this offseason, but he changed his tune in August and is now hoping to sign an extension with Chicago. It remains to be seen whether there is mutual interest in working out a deal that benefits both sides, but Hicks maintains that he wants to finish his career with the Bears.