The Chicago Bears were without star quarterback Justin Fields in their 31-10 loss to the New York Jets in Week 12, and they could be without another of their other stars for the rest of the season. According to NFL media, the Bears fear wide receiver Darnell Mooney has suffered a season-ending ankle injury. He is expected to undergo further tests on Monday, but there is not much optimism surrounding his situation.
Mooney was injured during the Bears’ second practice in the second half. While blocking for David Montgomery on the outside, the action followed and he was rolled up from behind. Mooney didn’t catch a pass in rainy New Jersey on Sunday.
Mooney is Chicago’s leading receiver this season, having caught 40 passes for 493 yards and two touchdowns. The Tulane product had a career year in 2021, as he caught 81 passes for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns.
The 3-9 Bears currently sit last in the NFC. If Mooney were to miss the rest of the season, trade deadline acquisition Chase Claypool will have the chance to be Fields’ or Trevor Siemian’s true No. 1. The former Steeler caught two passes for 51 yards against the Jets. Byron Pringle is another wide who could step in if the opportunity arises. He caught two passes for 12 yards on Sunday and an impressive touchdown on DJ Reed.