The Chicago Bears enter the 2023 season with some high hopes. Justin Fields took a jump last season and has been working tirelessly this offseason to improve his passing ability. Aaron Rodgers is out of the division and the Vikings seem to be entering a soft rebuild. As minicamps have started, two Bears receivers, Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney, are dealing with nagging injuries.
Chicago Bears Injuries
Head coach Matt Eberflus admitted the injuries were becoming a cause for concern. Claypool missed OTAs with the same injury which has been described as soft tissue. The problem with this type of injury is it often does not go away. The Bears gave up the 32nd overall pick to get Claypool and need him to produce. Mooney’s rehab was expected but it still puts the Bears without two of their top three receivers. For an offense that is trying to mesh together, having so many pieces out now might have long-term effects.
Will This Stunt The Growth Of The Offense?
The connection between Fields and new receiver DJ Moore looks to be blossoming but it can’t all be on one guy. Moore will likely draw more double teams so it is imperative that Claypool and Mooney become great second and third options. If the offense can’t all get on the field until closer to the beginning of the season, we could see a slower start from the Bears. The good news is neither of these injuries seems serious so they should be ready for the start of the season.
Injuries can really derail a season. The Bears are hoping to finish a little higher than last season and they have the draft capital in the future to build something special. Now they just need everyone to get healthy so the offense can take the next step.