The Bears officially activated two key players from the physically unable to perform list on Tuesday, a massive boost for the defense with the season looming. Safety Elijah Hicks and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott are cleared to practice, giving the squad some much-needed depth and talent heading into the regular season.
Elliott’s Debut and Hicks’ Impact Season
Elliott, a fifth-round pick this season, has been sidelined with a back injury, and his return means he can finally get on the field and show what he’s got. This kid’s potential is huge, and getting him practice time now is absolutely critical for him to contribute. Meanwhile, Hicks is back from a shin injury that kept him out. You know Hicks, right? The man played in *all 19 games* for the Bears last season and racked up 21 tackles. That kind of experience and production is invaluable. Getting these guys cleared to practice is more than a small roster move; it means they are back in the mix and ready to contribute to what this team is building. It’s about getting guys healthy and ready for battle.
The Roster Grind Is Real
Of course, it’s not all good news without some tough decisions. While we get two back, the Bears also signed linebacker Antonio Grier, which shows they are still looking to bolster that unit. And in a move that stings, linebacker Nephi Sewell has been placed on injured reserve. That means Sewell is out for the *entire regular season*, ineligible to return. That’s a tough blow for him and the team, losing a guy for that long. It highlights how crucial it is to have guys like Hicks and Elliott healthy and ready to go. The grind of the NFL season is already showing itself, even before Week 1. Every player counts, and roster moves like this tell you everything about the team’s health and readiness.
With Hicks and Elliott back practicing, the focus immediately shifts to getting them up to speed and integrated fully before kickoff. Losing Sewell for the season hurts, no doubt, but having these two defensive playmakers back on the field is a huge win. The next few practices are gonna be huge to see where they are at. You gotta be hyped to see these guys back in action and what they bring to the defense for this upcoming season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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