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Monday update: Matt Eberflus told reporters Monday that Mooney will need season-ending surgery, per Chris Emma.
Sunday PM update: Mooney likely suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 12 against the Jets, according to a team source. The Bears receiver didn’t register a single target with Justin Fields out, and will now likely look to rehab for the 2023 season.
#Bears WR Darnell Mooney will get more tests Monday, but the fear is he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in today’s loss to the #Jets, per source. pic.twitter.com/HjqgX01UtW
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 28, 2022
Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney went to the locker room in Week 12 against the New York Jets after suffering an ankle injury. Mooney was unable to put any weight on his leg as he was helped off the field by trainers. He is officially doubtful to return to the contest.
Bears trainers are taking WR Darnell Mooney to the locker room. He's not putting weight on his left leg.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) November 27, 2022
Mooney has not missed a regular-season game in his career.
Mooney suffered the injury on a running play for David Montgomery, so it’s unclear exactly what happened to the receiver. He has not been involved at all in the passing game, and the weather in New York and Trevor Siemian at quarterback haven’t done him any favors. If he doesn’t come back in this contest, he’ll finish the game with zero targets.
Look for Chase Claypool, Cole Kmet and Equanimeous St. Brown to be more involved in the passing game if the Bears decide to start airing it out more. They are only down one score to the Jets at this moment, so throwing the ball might still not be a necessity.