Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, who hurt his groin on the first play against the Lions, was limited in practice Friday but is doubtful to play at the Raiders on Sunday.
Bears coach Matt Nagy said Friday he doesn’t believe that Hicks will need to go on injured reserve, which would rule him out for the next three games. The Bears could leave Hicks at home Saturday — and in that case, would officially rule him out then.
Hicks missed most of the last Raiders game, too, after dislocating his elbow on the first drive in 2019.
“He’s a tough guy that means so much to this defense,” Nagy said. “Our guys know it and we appreciate that about him. I think, you know ... coming into this season that was one of our strengths was the depth of the defensive line. So being able to head into any of these games when you don’t have him, we rely on that.”
Earlier this week, rookie nose tackle Khyiris Tonga said he was amazed by Hicks.
“Physicality, his mental state — he’s just different,” he said. “He’s just very on point with his keys and he’s very smart. He knows what he’s talking about. He knows just looking at the formation. ... So it’s just been fun to watch Akiem play and still just be dominant.”
This and that
- One week after playing a combined 20 snaps, blocking tight ends Jesse James (personal) and J.P. Holtz (quad) were both ruled out of Sunday’s game. Inside linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe (hamstring) won’t play, either.
- Safety Tashaun Gipson (hamstring) and tight end Jesper Horsted (knee) are questionable but expected to play. Gipson has missed the last two starts since getting hurt in practice leading up to the Browns game. Linebacker Christian Jones is questionable after being limited with a back problem Friday.
- Before the first-ever Bears game in Las Vegas, Nagy said he hasn’t warned his players about avoiding the temptations of Sin City. “That’s why, also, we have that curfew,” he said.
