Bears DL Akiem Hicks returns to practice

Pro Bowl defensive lineman Akiem Hicks returned to the practice field Sunday, beginning his return back from injury that could culminate in him taking the field against the Packers in two weeks.

Hicks dislocated his left elbow in the Bears’ 24-21 loss to the Raiders on Oct. 6 in London. He left in the first quarter when his left elbow, pinned between teammate Khalil Mack’s helmet and running back Josh Jacobs, bent in the wrong direction.

The team put him on injured reserve Oct. 15, making him eligible to return to practice on Wednesday and to play in games Dec. 15 at the Packers.

He was in uniform but sitting on a bench in the portion of practice open to the media.

Bears coach Matt Nagy said Hicks was unable to do “a whole lot” during practice, but said the team’s practice was light anyway.

“It’s nice to see him out there on the field,” Nagy said. “He’s been on the sidelines ... He’s never left us. We’ve felt him.”

Nagy said Hicks will play against the Packers if he feels good enough, and that his participation will not have anything to do with whether the Bears are in the playoff hunt or not. Their game against the Cowboys on Thursday should determine whether the Bears can cling to a glimmer of hope.