The Minnesota Vikings are bracing for the return of starting linebacker and defensive captain Jordan Hicks.
“We will be opening Jordan Hicks’ window to practice starting tomorrow. And I’ll keep you guys posted as far as his availability for Sunday,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said via the team on December 18. “But I know Jordan’s very excited to get back on the field with our guys and couldn’t be more excited to have him have the opportunity to do that.”
Hicks initially suffered a shin contusion during the Vikings’ Week 10 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
The swelling in his leg increased to the point that Hicks was hospitalized with compartment syndrome.
“Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels,” according to OrthoInfo. “This pressure can decrease blood flow, which prevents nourishment and oxygen from reaching nerve and muscle cells.”
“I was in excruciating pain,” Hicks said via the team on December 7. “I was full-drenched [with] sweat. I’m twisting and turning. Trying to get comfortable, couldn’t get comfortable, ended up in the fetal position laying there just trying to focus on breathing because it was so bad.”
Hicks went on injured reserve on November 14 following surgery on November 12.
