Chicago bears blog

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears activated defensive tackle Akiem Hicks from injured reserve on Saturday, a day before a key matchup against the rival Green Bay Packers. A Pro Bowl pick last season, Hicks dislocated his elbow during an Oct. 6 game against Oakland in London. “I knew it was coming and prepared accordingly,” Hicks said earlier in the week. “One of the things I really focused on was just making sure my elbow was in the strongest place possible. We still have some finishing up to do and there’s all these dates to make gains and get a little bit better. Just working on that.” The Bears (7-3) trail the first-place Packers (10-3) by three games in the NFC North. The Bears put tight end Ben Braunecker on injured reserve on Saturday. Braunecker had six catches for 59 yards and a touchdown in 11 games this season. The Bears said wide receiver Taylor Gabriel and offensive lineman Bobby Massie will not travel with the team for … [Read more...] about Bears activate Hicks from IR going into matchup at Green Bay

RJ White has his finger on the pulse of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. by CBS Sports Staff Dec 14, 2019 at 10:32 am ET • 3 min read The NFL's oldest rivalry renews on Sunday as the Chicago Bears battle the Green Bay Packers. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET from Lambeau Field. The Packers lead 98-95-6 all-time, which includes two playoff meetings. NFC North-leading Green Bay (10-3) would clinch at least a Wild-Card spot with a victory or tie and a Rams loss in Dallas. Chicago (7-6) likely has to win out to have any chance at returning to the postseason, and even that might not be enough to get the Monsters of the Midway into the NFL playoff picture. The Bears have also covered just five of the past 18 meetings. Green Bay is a 4.5-point favorite in the latest Packers vs. Bears odds, down one from where the line opened, while the over-under for total points scored is 40.5. Before you make any Bears vs. Packers picks of your own, read what SportsLine expert R.J. … [Read more...] about Packers vs. Bears odds, line, spread: 2019 NFL picks, Week 15 predictions from proven expert who’s 31-6

One of the Bears' most prominent leaders is ready to return to the field by Patrik Walker @VoiceOfTheStar Dec 14, 2019 at 2:19 pm ET • 1 min read The Chicago Bears defense received some bad news earlier this week, but in a positive development, Akiem Hicks appears ready to take the field for the first time since suffering an elbow injury in the team's loss to the Oakland Raiders in Week 5.Hicks will be activated on Saturday and be made available to take the field against the rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday, per Chris Mortensen of ESPN. Earlier this week, the Bears placed former first-round pick Roquan Smith on injured reserve due to a torn pectoral muscle.The Bears are surging with four wins in their last five games, but must continue winning in order to have a chance at somehow stealing a wild card berth in the NFC. For his part, Hicks is raring to go, and notes how hard it was to remain sidelined … [Read more...] about Bears to activate Akiem Hicks from IR ahead of Week 15 matchup with Packers, per report

Getty Images One of the Bears’ best defensive players will be back on the field on Sunday. Chicago defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is being activated and will play tomorrow against the Packers, Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports. Hicks suffered an ugly elbow injury in Week Five and was placed on injured reserve, but he has returned to practice and is now ready to return to play. The Bears are two games out of the NFC wild card race and likely need to win out to get to the playoffs. Hicks will help as they attempt to upset the Packers and stay alive in the postseason hunt. … [Read more...] about Akiem Hicks set to return for Bears

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Heading into the season opener between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, nobody knew what to expect from first-year coach Matt LaFleur, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense. Fourteen weeks later, it’s still a mystery. Green Bay is on top of the NFC North heading into Sunday’s home game against Chicago despite an inconsistent performance by Rodgers and company. There have been flashes of high-level offensive play, and some lackluster performances as well. Rodgers has a passer rating of over 100.0 in four different games this season, but also four with under 90.0. Running back Aaron Jones has four games with at least 150 yards from scrimmage and five with fewer than 50. Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling emerged early on as the top contender for the No. 2 spot behind Davante Adams. But the 6-foot-4 speedster has two catches for 11 yards over the last six weeks. The Packers have scored 30 or more points in four games but also … [Read more...] about Rodgers wants more consistency from offense down the stretch