Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney suffered a severe ankle injury at the end of the 2022 season that required surgery and months of rehab. His availability for the start of training camp later this month has been unknown throughout the offseason, but a recent video of him working out with Justin Fields and other Bears skill players has put to rest any worry about him not being on the field.
Check it out:
DONT WORRY MOONEY BACK! @Darnell_M1 #chicago #BearDown pic.twitter.com/jjEqtUaMlR
— Simeon “Steamin Willie Beamen” Kelley (@SirSimeonKelley) July 15, 2023
A healthy Darnell Mooney is excellent news for a revamped Chicago Bears offense. He'll combine with DJ Moore and Chase Claypool to give Fields the most talented wide receiver corps he's worked with.
Mooney recently emphasized winning as his ultimate goal, but more than team success is at stake for the fourth-year wideout in 2023. He's on an expiring contract. A big season means a big pay raise, which in a way, is a win-win for all sides. A productive Mooney is great for the Chicago Bears' team goals. And it's great for Mooney's bank account.
Mooney must silence critics who suggest the 2022 season proves he isn't one of the NFL's top young wide receivers. He totaled just 40 catches for 493 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games last year. But as anyone who watched the Bears' early-season struggles on offense can attest, Mooney was more a victim of circumstance than a lack of talent.
The Bears may take it slow with Darnell Mooney and place him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list at the beginning of training camp. If they do, it will only be out of an abundance of caution.
