Bears nickelback D.J. Moore’s slide down the depth chart hit rock bottom for “Monday Night Football.” Moore, one of the Bears’ more personable players, was a healthy scratch against the San Francisco 49ers.
Moore said he learned about being inactive on Monday morning, but that he felt it was coming.
”I was only on one special-team [unit],” Moore said. ”And I didn’t play last week … and [San Francisco] is more of a running team, too.”
Moore was active against the Houston Texans but didn’t play. Veteran Kelvin Hayden continues to see more time at nickelback.
”From what [coach Lovie Smith] told me, it was performance-related,” Moore said. ”I don’t know. Whatever they tell me to do, I’ll do, and go to work every day, try as hard I can and hopefully get back out there soon.”
Moore has proven to be a playmaker in his four years. He has two interceptions this season and 10 in his career, including one he returned 54 yards for a touchdown. He also has broken up five passes this season.
But the Bears face another run-heavy team in the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. It’s very possible he could be on the outside looking in for the second week in a row.
So where does Moore go from here?
“I mean, I know I can play,” Moore said. “What happens is whatever happens.”
