6 thoughts following the Chicago Bears 31-10 loss to the Jets
Chicago Bears thought No.2: Darnell Mooney’s injury complicates things
Darnell Mooney got rolled up and suffered a serious ankle injury and he had to be helped to the locker room. Matt Eberflus officially confirmed on Monday’s presser he is out for the season.
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
It is a disappointing end to what turned out to be a very disappointing season for Mooney. He worked hard with Justin Fields throughout the offseason to prove that he can be the No.1 receiver. Instead, he never had the breakout season many expected. Now, he enters this offseason rehabbing and his future with the Bears could become murkier as he enters a contract year in 2023.
Will the Bears be able to sign him this offseason at a discount or will Mooney bet on himself on returning healthy and getting a large contract whether it is with the Chicago Bears or someone else? While we will let the front office figure that one out, the immediate concern is who and how will they replace his production for the rest of this season.
If there is something positive that came from yesterday’s game, Siemian threw the ball more decisively and gave his receivers the chance to make plays. Like the touchdown pass he threw to Byron Pringle.
the bears take a second QUARTER lead over the jets after this DIME from trevor siemien to byron pringle pic.twitter.com/mwMmPxNO9s
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) November 27, 2022
With Mooney gone, N’Keal Harry could be activated for what could be his final shot at playing in the NFL. Also, Velus Jones must be more involved moving forward to determine what they exactly have in him.
It’s also time for Chase Claypool to be more involved. Claypool had a nice 30-yard catch while battling outstanding Jets rookie Sauce Gardner late in the first quarter. He had two catches for 51 yards. Luke Getsy must allow Fields to throw more with five games left and develop chemistry with him entering the 2023 season.
Hopefully, Fields took note of Siemian’s throw to both Pringle and Claypool allowing them to make plays. Fields needs to trust Claypool and not worry about the interceptions. It is imperative he gets to play as many remaining games as possible to develop chemistry with his receivers, particularly Claypool.