Since the start of the season, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore has become public enemy No. 1 with many fans. The belief is that Moore's desire for Justin Fields to remain the Bears' quarterback has created tension this season as he tries to develop chemistry with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
The latest example of fans nitpicking everything Moore has done this season was from Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. During the game, Moore was seen coming off the field despite the fact that the play was ongoing as Williams was looking for a wide receiver open downfield.
During the video, it appeared that Moore was injured and that was reason for him leaving the field. In speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Moore confirmed the injury.
DJ Moore says he tweaked his ankle on the play where he went out of bounds. Said his ankle was hurting, so he hobbled and went to sit down. #Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) November 6, 2024
Moore also told reporters that he didn't care for the reaction the play was getting through social media. The idea of Moore taking himself out of the play without being injured had no logic behind it. Throughout the season, More has been dinged up but has always made himself available.
Moore's response on Wednesday likely will do little to place him back in the good graces of the fanbase. Moore's demeanor this season has been the subject of much criticism this season but there is a fair expectation of Moore to be disappointed.
Moore has yet to experience winning football during his time in the NFL. After having a career year in 2023 and earning a contract extension over the offseason, Moore is having the worst season of his career in 2024. There is going to be some natural frustration with that fact. That frustration, however, doesn't mean that Moore doesn't want to be here. If that was the case, Moore wouldn't have signed the extension when he did--during Training Camp when Williams was already in place as the team's quarterback.