It's Official: Darnell Mooney is out for the season

The Chicago Bears announced Monday that WR Darnell Mooney will miss the rest of the 2022 season with an ankle injury he suffered in Week 12's blowout loss to the New York Jets.

Bears’ HC Matt Eberflus told reporters that WR Darnell Mooney is out for the season due to the ankle injury he sustained Sunday.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 28, 2022

Bears’ HC Matt Eberflus told reporters that WR Darnell Mooney is out for the season due to the ankle injury he sustained Sunday.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 28, 2022

Mooney's left ankle was rolled up by defenders while blocking on a running play.

“He’s likely to have surgery and he’ll be done for the season,” Eberflus said. “It’s unfortunate.”

.@TomPelissero reports Darnell Mooney could need season ending surgery. Very reminiscent of Michael Thomas’ original 2020 ankle injury. Mooney should be back at near full strength by Week 1 next year #BearsNation pic.twitter.com/3VxdogpPi1

— Edwin Porras, DPT (@FBInjuryDoc) November 28, 2022

.@TomPelissero reports Darnell Mooney could need season ending surgery. Very reminiscent of Michael Thomas’ original 2020 ankle injury. Mooney should be back at near full strength by Week 1 next year #BearsNation pic.twitter.com/3VxdogpPi1

— Edwin Porras, DPT (@FBInjuryDoc) November 28, 2022

Darnell Mooney's 2022 season ends with 40 catches for 493 yards and two touchdowns. He fell way short of expectations this year, due in large part to the struggles of the Chicago Bears' passing game early in the season.

Mooney should be at full strength in time for training camp next summer. He's eligible for a new contract this offseason, but this injury likely ends any chance he'll get a new deal before 2023, the final year of his rookie contract.