Vikings Take First Step Toward Key Defensive Team Captain Decision.

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.

“He’s put in a lot of hard work with [Vice President, Player Health and Performance Tyler Williams] and [Head Athletic Trainer Uriah Myrie] and our trainers and to get back to this point,” O’Connell said. “And I know all of our guys are looking forward to that.”

Despite not playing in three games during his absence, Hicks still ranks third on the team in total tackles. He leads the linebacker position in the same category. The Vikings have 21 days to decide whether or not to activate him from injured reserve.

In the final year of a two-year, $10 million contract, Hicks can put more good things on film before hitting free agency this coming offseason.

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