Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney had a disappointing 2022 season. His production was down, and his year ended with a fractured ankle in Week 12. He underwent tightrope surgery and has been rehabbing with the goal of returning in time for training camp.
Mooney hasn't participated in any of the Bears' OTAs this offseason, but coach Matt Eberflus remains optimistic the fourth-year wideout will be fully healthy once the pads go on.
“Yeah, I can just say this, that Darnell is working his tail off and he’s right on track,” Eberflus said. “He’s right on track, and we anticipate him going as soon as possible. He’s going to have a great summer, and he’s really amped up for that summer to get ready for training camp, so we’ll see where it is, and barring any setbacks, he’ll be ready.”
That's great news for a Bears offense that's already leveled up with the addition of DJ Moore this offseason. The expected development of Chase Claypool and a healthy Mooney should provide Justin Fields with the most talented trio of pass-catchers he's targeted so far in his career.
Mooney ended the 2022 with just 40 catches for 493 yards and two touchdowns. It was a worst-case-scenario season, one that began with hopes for a breakout year and a new contract by now. But with Fields already showing signs of a huge year on the horizon, Mooney has a chance to actually benefit from the extra time added to his quest for a new deal.
Mooney will join fellow Chicago Bears Jaylon Johnson and Cole Kmet as they enter a prove-it season in 2023.
"I feel good about it, though," Mooney said of a new contract in May. "They want to see me run and stuff so we'll see. I'm in no rush."
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