After spending more than three weeks on injured reserve, Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks told reporters on
Thursday that he hopes to play again this season.
After receiving a big hit to the shin in Week 10 against the Saints, Hicks experienced a terrifying scenario. He had to
be taken to the hospital right after for an emergency operation to relieve the pressure and edema after developing
compartment syndrome in his right leg. Hicks claims he felt unbearable pain unlike anything he had ever
experienced in his football career after the game and when the adrenaline wore off in the locker room.
“It is the deepest, darkest ache you can probably imagine,” Hicks stated. “Sweating profusely, I twisted and turned in
an attempt to become comfortable but was unable to do so. It was so severe that I ended up in the fetal position and
am just lying there trying to concentrate on breathing. It was unbearably painful.”
Doctors warned Hicks he might have lost his right leg if he hadn’t had the surgery done as soon as possible. He now
has a foot-long scar on his leg from the draining that the doctors left there for four days before sewing it back up, but
he didn’t sustain any long-term or irreversible harm.
“Grateful for the physicians, the training personnel, and
Following his hospital stay, Hicks made his way back to the Vikings’ facility, where he has stayed in the hopes of
returning before the regular season ends. He will be unable to play against the Lions in Week 16 and will miss at least
two more games. In addition, the Vikings travel to Detroit in Week 18 and host the Packers in Week 17.
Hicks reported that he felt his recuperation was doing well and that he was back to walking a few days after leaving
the hospital. After taking some time to allow his leg recover, he is aiming to regain his conditioning and strength.
He answered, “So far, so good.” “We’re pretty optimistic about being able to come back this year.”
As the Vikings’ starting off-ball linebacker in Hicks’ absence, rookie Ivan Pace Jr. has worn the green dot and
assumed an every-down role. On defense, Troy Dye and Anthony Barr have also played roles.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
