Bears GM Ryan Poles on WR Darnell Mooney: He’s worked his butt off

Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney is medically cleared and ready to go for training camp, a testament to his effort throughout the offseason to return from a left ankle injury that ended his 2022 season.

General manager Ryan Poles met with the media Tuesday and confirmed Mooney is ready to go.

“He has worked his butt off with the training staff,” Poles said.

Poles confirmed Chase Claypool passed his physical one day after being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list Sunday.

He needed an extra day to “get right,” Poles said. The Bears had called Claypool’s absence in the latter portion of the offseason workout program a soft-tissue injury, but Justin Fields hinted Tuesday that Claypool was bothered by a sore knee.

With Mooney and Claypool ready to go, the Chicago Bears will feature three talented wide receivers at the top of the depth chart, headlined by DJ Moore.

Load management throughout training camp is something to monitor. Don’t expect Mooney and Claypool to participate in every session, and that’s OK. Don’t get sucked in by the hot takes following a missed practice here or there. Poles said he’ll rely on the medical and training staff to determine the best course of action for all players coming off of injury.