NEWSLETTER
Keeping up with training camp injuries has been dizzying at times this summer. The lengthy list of injured players (with seemingly never-ending additions) has me feeling overwhelmed. So, let’s peruse the latest on the Bears injury front as we make our way toward the second preseason tilt.
What’s Up With Akiem Hicks?
We’re eight months into the 2021 calendar year, and following the Akiem Hicks adventure trail sure has been a trip. Entering the final year of his contract, trade rumors have surrounded him throughout the offseason. But more recently, there has been buzz regarding Hicks’ desire for an extension.
And then, today happened:
…Training Staff. Another staff member then brought Nagy a cell phone on the field, where Nagy had about a 5min discussion with someone. Immediately after, Nagy stood and talked with Head Trainer Andre Tucker, where he remained until the horn blew to alert practice starting.
— #TheBIGS (@itsthebigs) August 17, 2021
DL Akiem Hicks departed at the very start of practice this morning and has not returned. We will see what kind of update the #Bears provide later on today.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 17, 2021
Injury? Illness? No one seems to have a pulse on this odd situation. But Brad Biggs (Tribune) adds the team didn’t provide any additional information regarding Hicks’ situation. In other words, it will be on Head Coach Matt Nagy to offer up an explainer when he meets the media on Wednesday morning. Ideally, we’re dealing with a big nothing-burger and Hicks can get back to whatever practice routine is on his schedule this week. But considering how this season has gone, I’m in a place where I’m preparing for the worst while simultaneously hoping for the best.
In the meantime, the Bears can take solace in having loads of talent at this position group. More reps for Angelo Blackson, Mario Edwards Jr., Daniel Archibong, and others throughout the defensive line.
A Setback For Robert Quinn
Grumble:
With Robert Quinn (ankle) dealing with another setback, Matt Nagy said: "It's football; you get banged up here or there. We want to make sure we're smart, get him to Week 1, because there's another guy that's pretty motivated right now."
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) August 17, 2021
Chris Emma of 670 The Score tweets a Nagy quote that suggests pass-rusher Robert Quinn continues to deal with a bothersome ankle injury.
If you’ll recall, Quinn was missing in action earlier in camp because of back problems. And last year, foot issues were playing a role in keeping from playing at full strength. Sigh. The last thing the Bears need is for one of their high-priced acquisitions to be unavailable. But it would be worse if he was ineffective down the line because of how things were handled in the past. With that in mind, I think Nagy is taking the right steps in prioritizing Quinn’s health and availability for Week 1.
The Bears have a number of able-bodied pass-rushers who could use the reps that Quinn is leaving behind. Most notably, free agent acquisition Jeremiah Attaochu, undrafted free agent rookie Charles Snowden, and 2020 Day 3 pick Trevis Gipson.
Angling to be Healthy in Week 1
It is worth noting that Nagy is taking the same path with Quinn as he is with some other key players:
Roquan Smith, Germain Ifedi and James Daniels remain out with injuries. Main focus is to get them ready for Week 1, Matt Nagy said. #Bears
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 17, 2021
Getting LB Roquan Smith (groin), RT Germain Ifedi (hip flexor), and RG James Daniels up to speed for Week 1 is more of a priority than getting the ready for one of the two remaining preseason games. Although, it would be nice for Justin Fields and Andy Dalton to work with something closer to a fully functioning line than what they have been dealing with this summer.
Speaking of which, another lineman went down:
OL Badara Traore was carted off with a knee injury at practice today.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 17, 2021
And another’s update still has a whole lotta nothing:
Nagy on Larry Borom: "Again, I haven't heard a whole lot on that other than that he's going through the protocol". #Bears
— Usayd Koshul (@usaydkoshul) August 17, 2021
I’m so close to going full Pedro Cerrano and sacrificing a bucket of fried chicken to appease the lineman gods. Think some Harold’s will do the trick?
Finally, Some Good News
*Whew*
In case anyone missed it, David Montgomery is out here practicing for the #Bears.
— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) August 17, 2021
Running back David Montgomery took one snap in last Saturday’s preseason win against the Dolphins. It was a 3-yard gain before limping off to the sideline. Montgomery would return to be with his teammates, but wouldn’t step back into game action. The guy was built for Sundays, so there is no need to rush him back into the mix.
