Jordan Hicks might play Week 16

The Vikings are opening the 21-day practice window for LB Jordan Hicks this week. Hicks missed the past four games after needing surgery to relieve compartment syndrome following a shin injury on Nov. 12. it's not yet clear whether he'll be able to play this Sunday against the Lions, but that's at least a possibility. "Jordan is the heart and soul ... on our defense," HC Kevin O'Connell said Monday, according to the team website. "We've gotta get him some reps this week and see where he's at ... and if we can have him available, I think it'll be a real bonus for us this week." O'Connell also spoke about how good Hicks is at communicating the calls and ensuring everyone on the defense is in the right spot. That would seem to indicate he'll reclaim the green dot from LB Ivan Pace Jr. and take over calling plays in the defensive huddle. But O'Connell also said Pace has "been great" at filling in for Hicks there and talked about them working side by side. We'd bet the veteran Hicks will reclaim the playing-time lead at the position for a team fighting to reach the playoffs -- assuming he's physically ready to do so. We can't know for sure, of course, how Minnesota will sort out LB playing time until the next game that includes both Hicks and Pace -- or at least until coaches indicate the expected hierarchy. Hicks has scored as a top-10 LB in fantasy points per game this season, so he's worth a look if available on your waiver wire this week. Don't quit on Pace just yet, though, if he has been helpful in your format. And the undrafted rookie remains an upside dynasty asset.