Bucs DT Hicks Updates Availability For Potential Return

Bucs defensive tackle Akiem Hicks hasn’t been available since Week 2. But after a long absence of over a month and a half, it looks like Hicks could be ready to return on Sunday when the Bucs host the Rams.

Hicks, who has missed the last six games with a foot injury, began practicing last week when the Bucs had a game on Thursday. There was a slight possibility that he could’ve played against the Ravens as he was listed as questionable going into it, but hours before the game he was downgraded to out.

With the Bucs returning to practice this week, Hicks was a full participant. He gave an update on how he’s feeling and if he’ll be ready this time around.

“We’re working hard here,” Hicks said. “Working with the rehab guys and trying to make sure I’m prepared to play and we’ll give it a go. (I’m feeling) quite a bit better. Things have been progressing faster for me. I’m just thankful to be in this position to be able to contribute.”

Bucs Missing Hicks As Of Late

The Bucs brought in Hicks to be a less expansive replacement for Ndamukong Suh who they also believed would be an upgrade at the position. After impressing many in training camp, Hicks hasn’t really been able to show off all his talents with five tackles in two games, although he exited in the first half of Week 2. He was expected to be a big part of the Bucs’ interior defensive line and the defense hasn’t been able to see what it’s fully capable of yet.

“Full strength is always better, but in the football world you have that next man up mentality,” Hicks said. “You’re excited for what can be, but it doesn’t mean anything until it actually happens.”

“He was big before he got hurt,” head coach Todd Bowles said. “He’s practicing this week – we’ll see what kind of shape he’s in at the end. He’ll make a difference because he was one of our better players. Anytime you get a better player back, it helps with depth, number one – we can sub guys and keep them a little fresher. At the same time, he can carry his own. He’s a load and he’ll be tough to deal with.”

Bucs Haven’t Been Stopping The Run

Bucs DT Akiem Hicks – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Hicks isn’t exactly a stranger to missing extended time. He was out for 8 games last season with the Bears and 11 in 2019. It’s hurt even more for the fact that the Bucs have allowed over 151 rushing yards to four out of their last five opponents and are 24th overall in the league with 132.4  yards per game.

The veteran defensive tackle spoke about the anger of not being able to help the team, but also put things in perspective with a rather interesting and specific analogy.

“Frustrating is the word,” Hicks said. “But you got to put things in perspective. There’s a lot of people that are in their 30’s, right? And it’s Thanksgiving and they’re going out and running a race. Somebody’s pulling a hamstring, most likely the 30-year old, you know what I mean? You got to be able to understand where you’re at in life and take what you can and do the best with it.”