Chicago Bears training camp doesn’t begin for another few weeks, but a few players aren’t wasting any time working on their reps. Quarterback Justin Fields, tight end Cole Kmet, and wide receivers D.J. Moore and Darnell Mooney went out to Main South High School in Park Ridge to get work in on Monday ahead of the 4th of July holiday. The players posed for a photo with Maine South football coach Dave Inserra as well.
Chicago Bears Justin Fields, Cole Kmet, DJ Moore & Darnell Mooney throwing at Maine South on their off day. @justnfields @ColeKmet @Darnell_M1 @MaineSouthAth @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/cys1UnC8oH
— Maine South Hawks Football (@HawksMaine) July 3, 2023
NFL players getting together to workout at local high schools during the offseason isn’t anything new, but seeing Mooney on a football field is notable and he looks like a new man. The fourth-year receiver suffered a broken ankle last November against the New York Jets and missed the rest of the season. He’s worked hard to rehab the injury but was unable to participate in organized team activities or mini camp the last couple of months.
Head coach Matt Eberflus said Mooney was “on track” to return for training camp and that seems to be accurate seeing as he’s getting in work with his quarterback. Mooney, Kmet, and especially Moore will be counted on as Fields’ top options in the passing game when the season begins.
Anytime Bears fans get a glimpse at players getting work in outside of team activities, it generates plenty of excitement. But seeing Mooney and his new physique take part in those activities really dialed it up a notch.