Darnell Mooney saw his 2022 season end in frustration, suffering an ankle injury that knocked him out for the rest of the year. He’s spent the months since then working relentlessly to rehab. It took a long time, keeping him out of both Organized Team Activities and veteran minicamps. Still, head coach Matt Eberflus remained optimistic that the Chicago Bears receiver would be ready for training camp on July 25th. Nobody could be sure since they hadn’t seen him working out in any capacity.
That changed this week when a tweet surfaced with him, Justin Fields, Cole Kmet, and D.J. Moore going through drills at Maine South High School in Park Ridge. Two things stood out. It appears Mooney has full mobility back in his ankle. There is no wrapping or casting of any kind. The second part is how jacked he looks. His upper body appears even thicker than Fields. Keep in mind the quarterback is four inches taller and 40 lbs heavier. It’s clear the receiver was hitting the weights hard this off-season.
Darnell Mooney looks ready for a pivotal season.
Nobody ever questions his work ethic, but he has extra incentive this year. He’s coming off his worst season in the NFL, failing to crack 500 yards in 2023. There is also the matter of his contract. It is the final year of his rookie deal. That means he’s a free agent next March. The Bears seem open to handing him an extension, but the injury and decline in production likely have them in a wait-and-see approach. They need to see if he can regain the form he had during his breakout campaign in 2021.
It appears he’s ready and waiting to get back on the field. Seeing Moore and Kmet along with him is also a welcome sign. That trio could be something formidable this season if Fields gets better protection from his offensive line. Darnell Mooney was lethal when he played across from Allen Robinson. Moore might actually be a better player, which is a great sign. Much of this will depend on health. If Mooney can make it through a full season, he will likely have that extension waiting for him on the other side.
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