Another day, another devastating blow to Chicago's defense.
The Bears on Tuesday announced they have placed defensive tackle Akiem Hicks on injured reserve with an elbow injury, ruling him out for at least the next eight weeks.
He initially suffered the injury in the team's Week 5 loss to the Raiders in London.
#Bears roster moves:
— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) October 15, 2019
We have placed DT Akiem Hicks on IR.
We also have signed OL Alex Bars from the practice squad to the active roster and have signed LB Fadol Brown to the practice squad.
The move comes one day after the team placed right guard Kyle Long on injured reserve as he continues to deal with a lingering hip issue.
Hicks, who has six tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and one tackle-for-loss through four games this season, previously missed time last season with a knee injury. Bears coach Matt Nagy left the door open Monday for Hicks to potentially return later this season.
The 29-year-old earned the first Pro Bowl selection of his career last year when he had 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 55 tackles while starting in all 16 games for the third straight season.
The Bears (3-2) are slated to host the Saints (5-1) at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday.