Running back Maurice Hicks will take a free-agent visit on Monday, a source told FOXSports.com.

Hicks, 31, played in 11 games on special teams last season with Minnesota. He didn't register a carry playing behind the standout rushing tandem of NFL rushing leader Adrian Peterson and backup Chester Taylor.

Hicks has proven a versatile and productive role player during his six NFL seasons. Statistically, Hicks had his most productive season in 2005 with 308 rushing yards and three touchdowns for San Francisco.

The Bills are bracing for the absence of Lynch, a 2008 Pro Bowl selection who was arrested three days after the game on a weapons charge in California. Lynch pled guilty to his second misdemeanor in a nine-month span, resulting in a second disciplinary meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

"The reality is very clear that there are consequences for your actions," Goodell said this week at the NFL's annual owners meeting in Dana Point, Calif. "When those actions reflect negatively on the NFL, we're going to make sure there are negative consequences in hopes they don't happen again."

Lynch, a 1,000-yard rusher in his first two NFL seasons, met with Goodell this summer following a hit-and-run accident. During this meeting with Lynch, Goodell stressed that he didn't want a third go-around.

"I was very clear with Marshawn about that," Goodell said. "I tried to understand the facts as he presented them. I asked a lot of questions. I'll consider [the suspension] and make a judgment at some point in the near future."

Fred Jackson, who produced almost 900 yards from scrimmage as a backup in 2008, is expected to start while Lynch serves a suspension projected at two-to-three games.

Buffalo struck out with two other running backs in free agency earlier this offseason when Fred Taylor (New England) and Kevin Jones (Chicago) chose to sign elsewhere after visits.