Bears think DT Akiem Hicks’ knee injury is relatively minor as they prepare for Vikings

The Bears’ defensive line is in rough shape after Pro Bowl defensive tackle Akiem Hicks exited the 31-15 win over the Redskins with a knee injury Monday.

Bears coach Matt Nagy said he believes Hicks’ issue is mostly soreness, and the team is not concerned that it will be a serious injury.

Nagy said after the game Hicks had been dealing with “wear and tear” in his knee and eventually soreness prompted him to come out.

The Bears were already down defensive end Bilal Nichols, who broke his hand in Week 2, plus nose tackle Eddie Goldman is playing through an oblique injury.

Hicks has one sack, a fumble recovery and four tackles this season. He has not missed a game since joining the Bears in 2016 and played 74 percent of the defensive snaps last season.

If he is out against the Vikings, the Bears would likely go with journeyman Nick Williams in his spot and probably would need to add depth by signing undrafted rookie Jonathan Harris off their practice squad or adding someone else in free agency.

It always helps to have Hicks up front, but this is a particularly good opportunity for him against a questionable Minnesota offensive line that has rookie Garrett Bradbury at center.

The Vikings are near the bottom in passing offense, but have allowed just two sacks. They’re the No. 2 rushing team at 193.7 yards per game.