Bears HC gives injury updates on Eddie Jackson and Darnell Mooney
The Chicago Bears are entering a big season, so they're going to need all hands on deck. In that vein, there are two key players the franchise is waiting on to return from season-ending injuries in safety Eddie Jackson and wide receiver Darnell Mooney. A foot injury cost Jackson the final five games of the […]
The Chicago Bears are entering a big season, so they're going to need all hands on deck.
In that vein, there are two key players the franchise is waiting on to return from season-ending injuries in safety Eddie Jackson and wide receiver Darnell Mooney. A foot injury cost Jackson the final five games of the 2022 season while an ankle injury cost Mooney the final five games of last year, as well.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus spoke to the media on Tuesday and while he didn't have an exact answer for when both players can/will return, he did offer a positive update: both players are on track to complete their initial recovery timeline.
"That's a good question and certainly that's one everybody wants the answer to. We just don't have the answers, right now," Eberflus told reporters. "All I can say is that they're progressing right along where they're supposed to be and it's all positive and we expect them back soon. When they're back, they're back and when the medical staff clears them, they'll be cleared."
Mooney played in 12 games last year and caught 40 balls for 493-yards and two touchdowns as Justin Fields' top target before suffering his ankle injury against the New York Jets. Jackson started to look like his old All-Pro self with four interceptions and 80 total tackles through the first 12 games, but missed out on a potential Pro Bowl bid thanks to his injury.
The Bears will undoubtedly receive a big boost once both players return. Mooney should thrive with his new receiver buddies in D.J. Moore and Chase Claypool and Jackson should be able to provide decent snaps now that he's in Year 2 of Eberflus' defense.
Eberflus also confirmed that starting cornerback Jaylon Johnson has recovered from his broken finger that cost him the final two games of the 2022 season. Johnson didn't show up on Monday or Tuesday, however.
"I think his his hand's good from last year. I think he's good to go," said Eberflus.
