The Chicago Bears are only a few weeks away from the start of training camp and it sounds like one of their key offensive weapons will be back in action when practices begin.
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney has spent the offseason rehabbing a broken ankle suffered last November against the New York Jets. He was unable to participate in team activities during the spring and his status for training camp has been up in the air.
In an interview with WGN’s Kaitlin Sharkey, however, Mooney is confident he’ll be ready when camp gets underway.
“I’m good, I’m feeling good. I’m ready to roll,” Mooney said on WGN Sports while hosting his youth football camp in McCook, Ill. “When training camp comes up in two weeks, I’ll be ready to go.”
Mooney’s comments aren’t necessarily surprising as others with the Bears have expressed similar optimism. Head coach Matt Eberflus said Mooney was “right on track” back in June during organized team activities (OTAs), but hearing it straight from the horse’s mouth is reassuring. Players report to Halas Hall for camp on July 25 to prepare for the upcoming season which should be a pivotal one for Mooney.
The receiver is entering the final year of his rookie contract and could be a candidate to receive an extension. Mooney had 40 receptions for 493 yards and two touchdowns last season in 12 games prior to his injury.
Despite missing the final month and a half of the season, Mooney was still the team’s leading wide receiver. That will probably change now with D.J. Moore in the fold, but Mooney is excited about the revamped wide receiver room and what it might mean for the season.
His message to Bears fans? “Get ready to win.”
