Bears employing receiver-by-committee approach to replace Darnell Mooney

While replacing leading receiver Darnell Mooney is a big ask, Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus believes he has the players to do so.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Eberflus admitted Chicago likely won’t make up for Mooney’s 40 receptions and 493 yards as a result of just one player but through the collective efforts of Byron Pringle, Chase Claypool, Velus Jones Jr., Equanimeous St. Brown and others.

“Obviously, Mooney is a dynamic player,” Eberflus said. “He’s had good chemistry with Justin and the rest of the quarterbacks, but I think we’ve got to [replace him] by committee. …Pringle had a nice game last week. He caught a nice touchdown pass and he blocked well in the run game. He had a couple of nice targets and it was good for him.”

In a limited role, Pringle has been targeted just seven times in four games. He’s caught five balls for 57 yards and a touchdown. 

In four games since being acquired from Pittsburgh, Claypool has steadily progressed after being eased into the fold. He had 51 yards on two receptions against the Jets — his most as a Bear — and he figures to become a more featured part of the passing offense.