The Bears activated defensive lineman Akiem Hicks from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, setting the stage for him to play Sunday against the Giants.
How much he will play, however, is up for debate. Hicks, who had symptoms after being put on the COVID list Dec. 23, is listed as questionable.
It’s becoming clear that some players who return from the COVID list need to build themselves back up physically to play.
When the Bears activated receiver Allen Robinson from the COVID list this week, he detailed the effects of the virus. He lost 10 pounds and still was struggling to get his lung capacity back up.
Rookie right tackle Larry Borom returned last week, but coach Matt Nagy said Friday that Borom didn’t start against the Seahawks in part because the team was unsure exactly where he was physically.
‘‘Every player is different in regards to how they handle it and how much they got hit by it,’’ Nagy said. ‘‘Some guys got it worse than others. . . .
‘‘I think A-Rob’s done a good job this week of being able to get into football shape. Doesn’t mean they’re not tired. There’s other guys, too, that have come off that list that talk about how winded they get. That’s all real. So it’s just a matter of each guy saying, ‘OK, here’s where I’m at,’ and then you maybe limit some snaps, too, for the guys.’’
Tackle talk
Nagy has a decision to make at both tackle spots.
At left tackle, veteran Jason Peters (ankle, questionable) was a full participant in the walkthrough Friday after being limited in practice the previous two weeks. Rookie Teven Jenkins (shoulder) practiced all week after getting hurt Sunday.
At right tackle, Borom and veteran Germain Ifedi are healthy.
Nagy wouldn’t name his starters but hinted he might go with the vets. He said Peters has had a ‘‘great year’’ and said the rookies are ‘‘gonna have a lot of time to grow any way you look at it’’ beyond this season.
‘‘We’ve gotta work through all that and understand what puts us in the best position at all positions,’’ he said.
This and that
Nose tackle Eddie Goldman (finger) and cornerback Duke Shelley (heel) were listed as questionable. Goldman practiced in full all week; Shelley was limited Friday.
• Tight end J.P. Holtz is doubtful for personal reasons. He didn’t practice the last two days.
• Receiver Marquise Goodwin will play after missing practice Thursday with an illness. Receiver/returner Jakeem Grant will be back, too, after missing the last game with a concussion.
