Bears plan on playing Roquan Smith; Akiem Hicks questionable
Bears coach Matt Nagy on Friday confirmed for reporters in London the plan is to play linebacker Roquan Smith against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, and it's possible defensive end Akiem Hicks will also be available.
Hicks practiced Friday for the first time since suffering a knee injury against the Washington Redskins Sept. 23, and is officially questionable for Sunday's game. Hicks practiced only on a limited basis.
Also, guard Kyle Long was taken entirely off the injury report after he went through a full practice following a hip problem that kept him out of last week's game.
Little had been said about Smith by the Bears since he missed last week's game for what the team labeled a "personal issue." He was on the injury report all week although each day he went through a full practice. He is no longer listed on the report and the plan is to play him.
"Yes, I would say that," Nagy said. "I feel good about that unless there would be some type of setback. He's had a good week and that's where we're at with that."
Hicks will be a game-time decision again, but the vibe surrounding his chances of playing seem much better than last week when he never practiced, went through a light pregame workout and then sat.
"He was out here today and I was happy with how he looked," Nagy told reporters. "So I think that for him we'll see what he does during the game as far as the game time decision and then go from there. But hopefully it's a good thing."
Reserve linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe appears unlikely to play. He is doubtful with a hamstring injury.
The Bears curiously brought Mitchell Trubisky along on the trip when it was obvious he wouldn't play, but they left Taylor Gabriel (concussion) and Ted Larsen (knee) back stateside and ruled them out.
"Well, he's a part of us," Nagy said of Trubisky. "What sense would it be to keep him at home? It does nothing. He's part of our family and I think it's great for him to be here."
Beyond the injuries, all the air travel and time change did little to lower the team's energy level at practice.
"Everybody had it," Nagy said. "There was nobody that didn't have it. Guys were out running around. Their routes were fast, the coverage was fast. It was a normal practice. It could have easily went the other way and they had a great practice."
The Raiders came straight over to London after beating Oakland on Sunday to get used to the surroundings and time change. The different approach the Bears took is not a concern to Nagy, who was in London with Kansas City.
"I've never done it the other way," Nagy said. "So this is what we know and so far so good."
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