The Chicago Bears were dealt a significant blow to their receiving corps this week when it was announced Chase Claypool would miss Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles with a knee injury. There is optimism, however, that Claypool will be able to return this season.
Head coach Matt Eberflus spoke with the media on Friday and believes Claypool’s injury will not knock him out for the team’s final four games. “Oh yeah, for sure,” Eberflus said confidently when asked by reporters if he would be back.
Claypool missed the entire week of practice due to a knee injury suffered two weeks ago in a loss against the Green Bay Packers. Since being acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers at the NFL trade deadline, Claypool has struggled to get going with his new team. He has just 12 catches for 111 yards in five games as he continues to learn the scheme and playbook.
The former 2020 second-round pick out of Notre Dame will need to show he can develop a connection with quarterback Justin Fields sooner rather than later as he has one more year left on his rookie deal. The hope is Claypool can return this year and finish the season strong.
With Claypool out, Darnell Mooney on injured reserve, and N’Keal Harry questionable due to a back injury, the Bears may have just four wide receivers healthy on the team: Byron Pringle, Equanimeous St. Brown, Velus Jones Jr., and Dante Pettis. The Bears can also elevate Nsimba Webster or Daurice Fountain from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.
The Bears kick off against the Eagles at noon CT on Sunday at Soldier Field.
