Darnell Mooney Injury Update, What Happened To Darnell Mooney?

Amidst high expectations for the Chicago Bears' upcoming season, the return news of the wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who got injured in 2022, made the fans excited.

by Abinaya | Updated Jul 11, 2023

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Darnell Mooney Injury Update

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for an important season, and expectations among fans and analysts are higher than they have been in recent memory. One player who is expected to play a crucial role in the team's highly-anticipated offense is Darnell Mooney. Recently, Mooney provided a significant injury update that has brought relief and excitement to Bears supporters.

According to a report by Kevin Patra of Around the NFL, Mooney confidently stated, "I'm feeling good. I'm ready to roll." Mooney's positive update is music to the ears of Bears fans who are eagerly looking forward to witnessing his contributions to the team's revamped offense. Despite expressing his readiness for training camp, Mooney did not sugarcoat the challenging journey he has endured since undergoing ankle surgery during the offseason.

Mooney's determination and resilience in his rehabilitation process are commendable. The road to recovery from an injury is often grueling, requiring discipline, patience, and hard work. Mooney's commitment to his rehabilitation signifies his dedication to returning to peak performance and making a significant impact on the field.

What Happened to Darnell Mooney?

Darnell Mooney, the talented wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, recently suffered a significant injury to his fibula. However, Mooney has provided an update on his condition, revealing that he underwent tightrope surgery to repair the damage. Despite the setback, Mooney exudes confidence that he will be fully prepared for the start of the 2023 season, although it remains uncertain if he will be ready for the beginning of training camp.

One positive aspect for Mooney is that he does not need to rush his recovery. The Chicago Bears made a notable acquisition during the offseason by securing DJ Moore from the Carolina Panthers. Moore is expected to become Justin Fields' primary target in the passing game. Additionally, the Bears also possess other valuable receiving options such as Chase Claypool, whom they acquired in a trade last season. Furthermore, the team has rookie Tyler Scott, Equanimeous St. Brown, and tight end Cole Kmet to contribute to the passing attack.

Is Darnell Mooney Injured?

No, as of 2023 he is not injured. Back in 2022, he was injured and took a break from playing. Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney experienced a setback in his 2022 season due to an ankle injury that ultimately required surgery. However, Mooney is now preparing himself for the upcoming training camp.

Following his absence from offseason workouts, Mooney provided an update on his progress during his youth camp. He expressed his readiness to participate when the Bears commence their training camp on July 26. In Mooney's 2022 season, he faced challenges but still managed to be a key player for the Bears, serving as their primary target. 

He caught 40 passes for 493 yards and scored two touchdowns before his season abruptly ended in Week 12 due to the ankle injury. To address the injury, the 25-year-old underwent a surgical procedure that involved the insertion of screws into his injured ankle. During the offseason, Mooney worked diligently alongside Bears safety Eddie Jackson as part of his rehabilitation process. 

Why is Darnell Mooney Out?

Darnell Mooney, the talented wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, was sidelined for the remainder of the 2022 season due to a fractured fibula in his right ankle. The injury occurred during Week 12, and Mooney underwent surgery to repair the damage. As a result, he was unable to participate in the team's remaining games.

Mooney's absence was a significant loss for the Bears as he had been having a breakout season. Prior to his injury, he had already amassed impressive statistics with 40 receptions for 493 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games, establishing himself as the team's leading receiver. The impact of Mooney's absence was evident in the team's offensive performance.

Without his dynamic playmaking ability and contributions, the Bears struggled to find consistent success. Ultimately, the team finished the season with a disappointing record of 6-11 and failed to qualify for the playoffs. However, there is good news for Mooney and Bears fans. The talented wide receiver is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of the 2023 season.

Darnell Mooney Injury History

Darnell Mooney, the talented wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, has had a history of injuries throughout his NFL career. Here is a summary of his injury history:

  • Pedal Ankle Sprain Grade 2 (January 3, 2021): Mooney suffered an ankle injury in Week 17's game against the Packers. As a result, he was ruled out for the Wild Card game against the Saints.
  • Back Lower Lumbar Sprain/Pull Unspecified Grade 1 (September 8, 2021): Despite being a limited participant in practice due to a back issue, Mooney managed to play in the season opener against the Rams.
  • Inguinal Groin Strain Grade 2 (September 22, 2021): Mooney battled through a groin injury during the game against the Browns in Week 3.
  • Pedal Ankle Ligament Tear Grade 3 (November 27, 2022): Mooney suffered a significant ankle injury, tearing the ligament, which forced him to miss the final five games of the season.

Who is Darnell Mooney?

Darnell Mooney is a professional American football player who currently serves as a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on October 29, 1997. Mooney attended Gadsden City High School in Gadsden, Alabama, where he excelled in both football and basketball as a member of the Gadsden City Titans.

After completing high school, Mooney continued his football career at Tulane University. During his time at Tulane, he emerged as a standout player and led the Green Wave in receiving during his junior and senior seasons. In 2018, he caught 48 passes for a total of 993 yards, followed by another 48 receptions for 713 yards in 2019. Mooney proved to be a prolific scorer as well, accumulating 19 touchdowns throughout his college career.

Mooney's impressive performance at Tulane caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he entered the NFL draft combine where he showcased his speed and athleticism. Notably, he recorded an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds, demonstrating his quickness and explosiveness on the field. The Chicago Bears selected Darnell Mooney in the 5th round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he quickly made an impact as a rookie. Known for his speed, agility, and route-running ability, Mooney became an integral part of the Bears' offense.

Date of Birth

October 29, 1997

Birthplace

Gadsden, Alabama

Position

Wide Receiver

College

Tulane

College Stats

48 receptions, 993 yards (2018) 48 receptions, 713 yards (2019) 19 touchdowns (college career)

NFL Draft

Selected by Chicago Bears with the 173rd pick in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft

NFL Debut

2020

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Darnell Mooney Injury Update - FAQ

1. What is the latest injury update on Darnell Mooney?

Darnell Mooney provided a positive update, stating that he is feeling good and ready to roll for the upcoming season.

2. Will Darnell Mooney be fully recovered for the 2023 season? 

Darnell Mooney exudes confidence in his recovery and expects to be fully prepared for the start of the 2023 season, although his availability for training camp remains uncertain.

3. Is Darnell Mooney currently injured? 

No, as of 2023, Darnell Mooney is not injured. However, he faced a significant ankle injury in 2022 that required surgery.

4. What happened to Darnell Mooney in the 2022 season?

Darnell Mooney suffered a fractured fibula in his right ankle, which forced him to miss the final five games of the season.

5. How did Darnell Mooney's absence impact the Bears?

The Bears' offense struggled without Darnell Mooney's dynamic playmaking ability and contributions, resulting in a disappointing season and missing the playoffs.