Hicks applying the pressure for Chicago Bears defense

Akiem Hicks was signed in free agency to help anchor the Chicago Bears' run defense, but the 6-foot-5, 336-pound five-year veteran has made a major contribution as a pass rusher as well.

With 2 sacks in Week 8 against Minnesota, Hicks has 4 for the season, which is second best on the team.

That leaves him 1 short of surpassing his personal best of 4.5 in 2013, his second season with the New Orleans Saints, who drafted him in the third round.

"He came down with a critical sack - on third down in the red zone," defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said of Hicks in the Vikings game. "He had some other good rushes, too. We've been pleased. He's played a lot of football for us. Probably the most of any of our defensive linemen, and I feel like he's getting better."

Hicks has played 456 snaps, 82 percent of the Bears' total. Mitch Unrein is next on the D-line at 288 snaps.

Sharp corner:

When healthy, Bryce Callahan, an undrafted rookie out of Rice last year, has played well enough to be the top nickel corner for the first two weeks and then a four-game starter at cornerback alongside Tracy Porter.

But a concussion kept him out in Week 3, and Callahan was inactive in Week 8 with a hamstring injury that has limited him in other games.

He was limited at Thursday's practice but is expected to play Sunday.

"He's got good quickness and good speed," Vic Fangio said. "He's got good football instincts and a good feel for the game.

"Playing the corner position isn't too big for him. We know he can play nickel, too. We've just got to get him healthy. He'll be fine if he's healthy."

Dead red:

The Tampa Bay Bucs are 28th in red-zone defense, having allowed opponents into the end zone on 65.5 percent of their trips inside the 20-yard line.

That's excellent news for a Bears offense that has converted just 47.8 percent of its red-zone opportunities into touchdowns, ranking 23rd in the league.

Improvement in that area was a priority during the off week.

"You go back through and study what teams around the league are doing to see if there are any trends and if they fit you," said Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains.

"Is there a play here or there you can steal? (And) you look hard at yourself, what you've been doing, why things haven't worked, why things have worked."

Injury report:

Guards Kyle Long (triceps) and Josh Sitton (ankle) and running back Ka'Deem Carey (illness) were full participants in practice Thursday.

Wide Eddie Royal (toe), nose tackle Eddie Goldman (ankle), defensive end Mitch Unrein (back), outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee) and cornerbacks Bryce Callahan (hamstring) and Tracy Porter (knee) were limited.

Cornerback Deiondre' Hall (ankle) did not practice.

For Tampa Bay, quarterback Jameis Winston (knee) and wide receiver Mike Evans (concussion) were full participants.

Running back Doug Martin (hamstring), who hasn't played since Week 2, and starting center Joe Hawley were limited. Running back Jacquizz Rodgers (foot) did not practice.

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