Chicago Bears (4-5) safety Elijah Hicks is a rather unsung member of a vaunted 2022 NFL Draft class, which also included fellow defensive backs Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon.
Now, with Brisker placed on injured reserve due to a concussion he suffered in Week 6 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hicks is set to start at least four more games which would give him a career-high eight starts this season. And with how long Brisker has already been out, we may have seen the last of him in 2024.
Bears’ Elijah Hicks Making Most of Extended Starting Stint
Regimented Elijah Hicks Holding Own in Bears Defense
Regardless of what happens in the future with Brisker, this is a big spot for Hicks. But Hicks said he stays ready.
“I’m so regimented to where it’s no real change when I’m starting or whether or not,” Hicks told Clocker Sports before practice on Wednesday. “I’m still doing the same process because, flows of the game, you never know if you have to go in or not. So I think guys will help me be ready and stay ready.”
In four starts, Hicks has 26 total tackles, 2 pass deflections, and 2 fumble recoveries.
But the Bears are 1-4 in those games, and Hicks has a big-picture approach when it comes to production.
“It’s all about winning at the end of the day,” Hicks said. “It’s just straight to do my thing, not be giving up tubs, and just do my part within the defense. But at the end of the day, we need to figure out a way to do more so we can win.”
Hicks started two games as a rookie in 2022 and six in 2023.
He has 94 total stops, 3 pass deflections, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 forced fumble in 41 career games with 12 starts.
Kevin Byard Gets Honest About Elijah Hicks
One of “the guys” that Hicks is leaning on is his defensive backfield mate, Kevin Byard. Byard is in his first season with the Bears and says Hicks is playing well
“I feel like Elijah’s been playing really good football,” Byard told Clocker Sports on Friday. “He’s been playing lights out in my opinion, making a lot of plays. Think his communications were really good too.
“Just proud of him to be able to get this opportunity – obviously, with Brisk out – and taking advantage of it.”
Hicks also welcomed Byard and any help the two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler could offer.
“I was talking to him one day [and] he was like, ‘Hey, obviously, you’ve been in the league, made plays in the league, and if you’re seeing anything from my game or you see anything,’ just like give some tips to help him out. So he’s very receptive of any tips that I give him. But no Elijah’s been making plays on his own,” Byard said.
“I think his first start was in Jacksonville for the London game, and I think he played really good then, and I think he’s just been continuously improving every single week.”
And for Byard, the change from Brisker to Hicks is old hat.
“I’ve been in this position a lot in my career,” Byard said. “I remember one year – it might be 2022 – I played like five different safeties. So I’m used to having different guys back there,” Byard said. ”It helps because he’s been in this defense even longer than me. So he knows how to play the coverages and things like that. So it’s not weird though I’m like, kind of directing him on What to Do. It’s just more about making sure we’re fine and we’re seeing the same things on film together.”
Byard and Hicks seeing the same things helps the Bears now and could be vital for the future. Byard still has another year on his two-year, $15 million contract. But the Bears can cut him in a cost-saving move if they wish after this season.
Brisker also has one more year on a four-year, $7.3 million pact. Even if the Bears do sign him to an extension, a contingency plan will be necessary given his injury history.
The Bears also have veteran Jonathan Owens (two years, $3.8 million) under contract for 2025.
Still, Hicks is a similar build to Byard – and Owens, which underscores the loss of Brisker – and could be an under-the-radar candidate for a contract extension if he shows well in this extended stint in the starting lineup.
Jack Sanborn Ready for Packers week
The Bears will renew the oldest rivalry in the NFL this week when they host the Green Bay Packers (6-3) in Week 11.
With all that has transpired around Halas Hall, the Bears are big betting underdogs.
“It would mean a lot, obviously,” Sanborn told Clocker Sports after practice on Friday. “We’ve dropped consecutive games against them in the past years. But more importantly, it’d just be big for our team and just progressing as the season goes on and, yeah, I think that’s the focus.”
The Bears could only muster three Cairo Santos field goals in the last meeting between the two teams, in Week 18 of last season. That is daunting with the current offensive woes.
But Sanborn says there is only so much they can and should glean from that meeting.
“You obviously go back to it and see you know how they attack us, things like that. What we did against them. And so you definitely look at it,” Sanborn said. “But at the same time, it’s a new season, new team, a new game plan for the most part. Some things will be similar as to what they run, sure. But, yeah, we gotta focus on this week.”
The Packers are bringing the No. 9 scoring offense to Soldier Field. They could be looking for a bounce-back performance after the Detroit Lions held them to 14 points in Week 10. That could present opportunities to take the ball away, particularly in the passing game.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love is tied for the NFL lead with 10 interceptions despite playing two games fewer than the other two players at the top of the list.
The Bears have just 1 interception in the last three games but that could change this week.
“I think it just comes from playing aggressive,” Sanborn said about creating splash plays. “Continue to play aggressive. Get to the quarterback, don’t make him feel uncomfortable back there, and put them in positions where they make mistakes, and then turn the ball over. And I think that’s on us. We can do a better job, and then also just being on top of it and really focusing on it. And when those times come, make sure to get the ball if it’s out.”
Getting the defense back to turning the ball over in bunches could take pressure off the Bears’ transition from Shane Waldron to Thomas Brown at offensive coordinator. But Sanborn downplayed the conversation about the change as far as how it has affected their day-to-day work lives.
“That’s what it is: it’s outside,” Sanborn said. “In the locker room, it’s we’re going about it as our job because that’s what it is. I think everybody on the outside makes a bigger deal of it than what it is. And, yeah, we’re ready for Green Bay. Onto it.”