Packers: Akiem Hicks activated and will play this week, per report

The Green Bay Packers will have to play against Akiem Hicks this week, who will be making his return.

As expected, the Chicago Bears will have Akiem Hicks back on the field on Sunday at Lambeau Field. The Bears announced on Saturday that Hicks has been activated from injured reserve.

A Pro Bowler last season, Hicks’ return is great news for Chicago’s defense, and not so much for the Green Bay Packers offense.

Since joining the Bears in 2016, Hicks has played seven games against the Packers. In those games, he’s made two sacks, four tackles for loss and six quarterback hits.

But there’s some good news for the Packers. Playing for the Bears, Hicks has only one victory over the Packers but has lost six times.

There’s no doubting that this is a much-needed boost for the Bears on defense. They lost star linebacker Roquan Smith for the remainder of the season, and linebacker Danny Trevathan remains out this week. Hicks will strengthen their defense, which will help out All-Pro edge rusher Khalil Mack.

The Packers offensive line will need to put in a strong performance to create running lanes for Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams, while also giving Aaron Rodgers time to throw from the pocket.

Green Bay’s offense struggled to get much going against Chicago’s defense in the season opener, and Hicks played a big role in that. According to Pro Football Reference, he was on the field for 77 percent of the Bears’ defensive snaps, making a sack and two quarterback hits.

However, the news won’t come as a surprise to Matt LaFleur and the Packers. They would’ve prepared with the expectation that Hicks will be back. They’ll need to be ready along the offensive line not just for Hicks, but also Mack and the rest of a talented Bears front seven.

It remains to be seen how many snaps he’ll play in his first game back, but Hicks’ return makes this game that bit more challenging for the Packers.