New Orleans Saints Rookie DT Akiem Hicks Might Miss The Start Of Training Camp
Akiem Hicks, the New Orleans Saints rookie defensive tackle, will likely miss the start of training camp. The Saints opened training camp today and Hicks will miss at least the start of training camp due to his fractured hand. Hicks suffered the injury back in June during the Saints’ OTA’s and the injury is taking longer to heal than first anticipated. Hicks actually broke his hand twice during OTA’s and perhaps the window for his recovery time was too short.
Hicks was only supposed to be out for two to three weeks but it appears the Saints are taking precautions with player injuries as they open training camp. Interim head coach, Joe Vitt, said that Hicks could possibly start on the PUP (physically-unable-to-perform) list now that the Saints have opened training camp. The most important thing is for Hicks to be ready to start the regular season.
Hicks is projected to back-up right defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, but he will definitely see some playing time this year. New defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, likes to rotate his players to keep fresh legs out on defense. Hicks will provide good production for the Saints’ new look defense during his rookie season. Hopefully Hicks’s hand will heal in time for the start of the regular season. Furthermore, Hicks’s injury does not seem like it will take much longer to heal and Vitt said that he would likely be on the PUP for the start of training camp.
There is a chance that Hicks will participate in some of the Saints’ training camp but that all depends on how much longer it takes for his hand to heal. Hicks will be a part of a new Saints defense that is looking to become much better with new defensive coordinator and many new faces.
Alejandro Aviles is the Featured Writer for the New Orleans Saints at Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aaviles312
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