Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks hopes to play again this season following surgery for a terrifying leg injury.
After taking a hit to the shin during a routine tackle for the Minnesota Vikings in the game’s first quarter last month, Jordan Hicks assumed he was just dealing with a deep bruise.
The ninth-year veteran linebacker noticed his right leg was becoming weaker after halftime after he started playing again. His strength so diminished that, trying to make a cut, he almost rolled his ankle, so once more he sought attention on the sidelines.
After the adrenaline wearied off and Hicks arrived at the training room, he was forced to curl up in the fetal position, unable to concentrate on anything but breathing.
He was diagnosed with compartment syndrome by the team’s medical personnel. If left untreated, this unusual buildup of pressure in and around the muscles due to internal bleeding or swollen tissues can result in serious damage or even death. Therefore, Hicks had to be taken to the hospital right away following that Nov. 12 game against New Orleans, and he was in emergency surgery within fifteen minutes of arriving.
In order for his leg to heal completely, the doctors left it open for four days. His right leg now has a thick scar that is about a foot long.
He had been spending the last few weeks mainly sleeping on the couch, but he has been working hard to get back into shape and strength. As long as the recovery process proceeds as planned, Hicks expressed optimism that he will be able to play again this season.
“It was clearly a frightening circumstance. I had no idea how horrible it could have been. In his first interview with reporters since the injury, Hicks said on Thursday, “I’m grateful for the training staff, the doctors, and everyone on the sidelines making the quick decision to get me to the hospital.” “I heard the doctor say that you could have lost your leg, so it’s a good thing we got you in.”
Three weeks ago, Hicks was put on injured reserve. With five games remaining, the Vikings (6-6) are fighting for a postseason spot in the competitive NFC wild-card race. The defense has played well without him, but it would be much easier to uphold the standard set over the previous two months if the huddle leader was once again in the middle of the field.
Hicks had 87 tackles, a forced fumble, an interception, and his first career touchdown on a return of a fumble recovery before the injury. It was one of his best seasons in the NFL.
“We’re attempting to determine its maximum capacity. We don’t want to overwork it and cause it to swell or experience any other negative effects. There’s a process to it every day, Hicks explained, adding that “it’s go time once we’re all comfortable where I’m at.”
