The Chicago Bears continue their impressive winning streak as they prepare for another critical matchup. DJ Moore has been managing a hip injury since last week. With Chicago riding momentum and fantasy football managers hoping for consistent production, will their veteran receiver be available for Week 8?
DJ Moore Injury Update
Moore has been dealing with a hip injury that originated during the Bears’ thrilling 25-24 victory over Washington in Week 6. The veteran receiver was transported to a local hospital following that Monday Night Football contest as a precautionary measure after experiencing discomfort throughout the game.
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. However, his performance was underwhelming, managing just three catches 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 groin injury that has persisted since the Washington game. The absence raises questions about his status, though Wednesday practices at this point in the season are largely meaningless for veteran players dealing with minor issues.
Teams routinely give established players reduced repetitions or complete days off to manage workload and prevent unnecessary aggravation of minor injuries throughout the long season. Moore’s Wednesday absence could simply represent the Bears taking a cautious maintenance approach with their veteran receiver.
Moore will likely return to limited practice participation on Thursday, following the pattern he established in previous weeks when managing this injury. Given that he completed last week’s game against New Orleans without apparent aggravation, he should be fine for Sunday’s matchup against Baltimore.
Moore’s Fantasy Outlook
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.
As long as Moore is healthy, he belongs in fantasy lineups during a week when roster flexibility is at a premium. His track record and favorable matchup make him an attractive option despite recent struggles, especially considering the lack of available alternatives due to bye week constraints.
The combination of Baltimore’s vulnerable secondary and the potential for a shootout environment gives Moore his best opportunity in weeks to return meaningful fantasy production for desperate managers seeking viable options.
