In the meantime, Hicks is busy working himself into playing shape, making his presence felt on Tuesday at TCO Performance Center as a limited participant in practice. Though he’s gradually ramped up his physical activity, Hicks hasn’t done anything with his teammates until now.
“Obviously I haven’t played football yet,” he said. “We’ve got to see how it responds.”
It’s hard to believe that Hicks is already back on the field considering he had to be rushed to the hospital last month. He suffered a shin contusion on Nov. 12 while tackling Saints running back Alvin Kamara, developing compartment syndrome, which required emergency surgery to reduce the swelling.
If the Vikings didn’t recognize the problem and act as quickly as they did postgame, Hicks said there’s a real chance he could have lost his leg. As he reflected on the potentially catastrophic outcomes, Hicks expressed his gratitude to everybody who made sure things went smoothly.
“There’s so many different aspects and variables to this scenario that ended up going right,” he said. “I’ve heard a ton of stories of that not being the case.”
Not once did Hicks think about hanging up the cleats in the aftermath.
As soon as he came out of surgery last month, he wanted a game plan that would get him back on the field as soon as possible. He attacked the recovery process with every fiber in his being to ensure he would be back in time to help the Vikings during the stretch run to the playoffs.
“I didn’t have a ton of time to process,” Hick said. “I think this week will probably be the first time I’ve really sat down and truly thought, like, ‘Man, things could’ve really, really, really gone bad.’ I haven’t allowed myself to feel that. It’s always been the mindset and getting back on the field.”
That tenacity is something defensive coordinator Brian Flores highlighted when talking about Hicks.
“He’s done a great job getting back,” Flores said. “It was very serious and the fact that he’s out here today is kind of a testament to the type of person he is and how important this is to him.”
As much as rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has impressed as of late, Hicks has a wealth of knowledge that could go a long way as the Vikings try to get themselves in position to make the playoffs.
“There’s a reason he leads our defense,” safety Josh Metellus said. “He brings calming presence out there.”
The final decision on whether Hicks plays Sunday will likely be made by the training staff led by Tyler Williams and Uriah Myrie. It’s safe to assume Hicks will be campaigning to play no matter what happens. He has been waiting for this moment ever since he found himself in the back of the ambulance.
“Just sitting at home watching football is no fun,” Hicks said. “I’m very excited to get back out there.”
What does he anticipate the feeling will be like if he indeed is running out of the tunnell?
“I’m very blessed and very thankful,” Hicks said. “I’d imagine when game time comes, whether that’s this week, next week, or whenever that time is, it’s going to be fairly emotional.”
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