The Chicago Bears have impressed in their first season under head coach Ben Johnson, entering Week 8 with a 4-2 record. But injuries continue to challenge the team, and the availability of star wide receiver DJ Moore is now in question for Sunday’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
Will DJ Moore Play Against the Ravens?
Moore has been managing a hip injury that first emerged during the Bears’ narrow 25-24 win over Washington on Monday Night Football in Week 6. After experiencing discomfort throughout the game, he was taken to a local hospital as a precautionary measure.
Head coach Ben Johnson revealed that Moore’s hospital stay was related to the groin injury, explaining that it was “precautionary” and that they received “good news” about his condition. Moore returned to Chicago on Tuesday and was initially considered day-to-day for Week 7’s matchup against New Orleans.
Despite the hip concern, Moore was able to suit up and play in Week 7 against the Saints but had a limited impact, catching just three passes for 43 yards on five targets. The output marked another disappointing showing for the veteran receiver, who has struggled to find consistent production this season.
Moore did not participate in Wednesday’s practice session, continuing to manage the same injury that has persisted since the Washington game. While his absence sparked some concern, Thursday brought a more encouraging sign when Moore returned to the field for a limited practice session.
This approach mirrors how Moore handled practices leading up to Week 7. Since he was able to finish the game against New Orleans without worsening the injury, he appears on track to suit up for Sunday’s matchup against the Ravens.
Through seven games this season, Moore has been the Bears’ second-most productive receiver, recording 22 catches for 258 yards and one touchdown. While he ranks 43rd in PFSN’s Wide Receiver Impact metric, he has also contributed nine carries for 34 rushing yards, showing his versatility in the offense.
What’s Moore’s Fantasy Outlook?
Here’s what FSN’s Jason Katz wrote about Moore’s fantasy outlook for the Week 8 matchup against the Ravens:
“Moore’s declining fantasy production has become a significant concern for managers who drafted him expecting consistent WR2 numbers. He has now gone under 50 receiving yards in every game since Week 1, representing a troubling trend for his fantasy value.
“The veteran receiver is averaging just 9.2 fantasy points per game this season, which represents the worst stretch of his career. His 43-yard performance against New Orleans continued this frustrating pattern and highlighted his diminished role within the Bears’ offensive hierarchy.
“Moore currently commands just a 16.8% target share and is targeted on only 16.8% of his routes run, ranking outside the top 75 receivers in that crucial metric. These numbers represent a dramatic drop from his previous production levels and suggest Rome Odunze has clearly emerged as Caleb Williams’ preferred target.
“However, this week presents an excellent opportunity for Moore to break out of his slump. The Bears face a Ravens defense that allows the fourth-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points to wide receivers, creating an ideal matchup for productive passing games.
“The game could develop into a high-scoring affair if Lamar Jackson is available for Baltimore, potentially creating the game script Moore needs to see increased target volume. With six teams on bye in Week 8, fantasy managers are dealing with limited options at the receiver position.”
