The Chicago Bears were all smiles on Monday night. They'd just gotten the sweetest type of victory there is: revenge. After enduring the Hail Mary debacle last season, which sent them into a death spiral, and watching the Washington Commanders reach the NFC championship, this rematch held significant meaning. It would tell everybody, including themselves, whether the Bears had learned anything from that defeat. They proved they had by overcoming a 24-16 deficit in the 4th quarter to win 25-24. The post-game celebration was predictably loud. However, it came with a bittersweet edge. News soon trickled out that star receiver DJ Moore went to the hospital.
Fans weren't sure what happened. The wide receiver had played the entire game. Nothing about him seemed off. He was even smiling as he walked off the field. Had trainers found something they deemed serious? Head coach Ben Johnson didn't offer too many details other than that it was a groin issue. This confused NFL doctor David Chao. He couldn't think of any groin-related issues that would require hospitalization. However, there was one in the same region that would.
Put simply: Moore took a shot to the nuts.
DJ Moore didn't want to risk further damage without a checkup.
Testicular injuries can get pretty serious if not treated properly. Based on Johnson's comments, it doesn't sound like anything serious, hence the day-to-day diagnosis. DJ Moore will likely return to practice whenever he feels the area isn't tender anymore. Until then, he'll be limited. Don't expect him to miss a game, though. One can imagine he may think twice about not wearing a cup in the future. Nut shots can be particularly nasty in any professional sport, but especially in football, where 200-300 lb men fly around at top speed. One wrong angle can lead to no more children.
Moore deserves credit for finishing the game. Most men in that situation would've called it a night, looking for the nearest ice bag. DJ gutted it out. That should serve as a reminder to people who question his commitment to the team.
