Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore drew attention to open Wild Card week, and not in the way the team hoped.
Moore was among the many players listed on a preliminary injury report as “limited” due to a knee injury. The Bears are preparing to host the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs, adding to the significance of Moore’s presence on the report.
However, the list may belie Moore’s true status for game day.
DJ Moore Trending in Right Direction as Bears Prepare for Packers
Bears’ DJ Moore Practices Again
Moore was slow to get up at times during the Bears’ loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 18, but he finished the game, marking his fifth straight season of logging a full slate of contests. Still, he has frequented the Bears’ injury report this season.
That he has managed to suit up in every game so far is encouraging.
Moreover, Moore was back on the practice field for the second straight day–and the first true practice–of Wild Card week.
That is in addition to the Bears having all of their top wideouts–Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Olamide Zaccheaus–on the field for the first time since Week 13, when they visited and defeated the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in an upset.
Moore is in the midst of his least productive season as a pro.
At the same time, this is the most wins he has ever had in a single season in the NFL, despite his individual success with the Carolina Panthers.
DJ Moores Future Scrutinized
Moore’s future has been the subject of speculation amid his lower counting stats. But he is a key contributor for the Bears due to his versatility and toughness, let alone his durability. He is the only one among the Bears’ top five receivers entering the postseason.
Moore is under contract through the 2029 season on a four-year, $110 million contract.
The Bears are facing some salary cap restrictions next season. Moving on from Moore could be appealing, if not prudent, for the Bears during the 2026 offseason.
At the same time, it is hard to argue that the Bears would be in the position they are without Moore’s contributions as a pass-catcher and runner out of the backfield, as well as his professionalism during what could easily be a frustrating situation for a player with his resume.
This postseason run could go a long way toward determining how the Bears move forward.