Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus Gives Significant Update on Chase Claypool Following Week 4 Controversy.
The Chicago Bears narrowly missed clinching a victory in their Week 4 showdown against the Denver Broncos, with the scoreboard reading 31-28. This intense match saw Justin Fields delivering one of his most notable performances of the 2023 NFL season. Notably absent from the lineup, however, was wide receiver Chase Claypool. Head Coach Matt Eberflus later revealed that Claypool would also be missing from the preparations for the Bears' upcoming Week 5 face-off against the Washington Commanders on Thursday night.
In the first three games of the season, Claypool managed only four receptions for 51 yards, along with a touchdown. His commitment on the field has been under scrutiny, with critiques on his route-running and blocking efforts during the team's initial defeats.
Following his omission from the Week 3 roster against the Broncos, it came to light that the team had also advised Claypool to abstain from attending Sunday's game. This decision, making headlines on Monday, underscores the widening gap between the player and the organization.
ESPN NFL expert Adam Schefter tweeted on Monday, "Bears' HC Matt Eberflus confirmed to ESPN1000 in Chicago that WR Chase Claypool will be absent from the team this week as they set their sights on Thursday night's game against the Commanders."
Amidst this turmoil, whispers about the Bears scouting for a potential trade deal for the 25-year-old receiver are gaining momentum.
Chase Claypool began his NFL journey as a second-round selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. Over three seasons with Pittsburgh, he secured 153 receptions, amassing 2,044 yards and netting 12 touchdowns. Following disagreements with Steelers' coach Mike Tomlin, Claypool was traded to Chicago in exchange for a second-round draft pick, which fortuitously turned out to be the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
With the ongoing speculations, it appears that the Bears are leaning towards trading Claypool, even if it means settling for a late-round pick, as opposed to releasing him outright.
| POLL | ||
2 OCTOBRE | 56 ANSWERS Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus Gives Significant Update on Chase Claypool Following Week 4 Controversy. Will Chase Claypool be traded before the end of the season? | ||
| yes | 45 | 80.4 % |
| No | 11 | 19.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
