It was an unwelcome bit of news when the Chicago Bears placed Chase Claypool on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Fans already knew the wide receiver had missed most of OTAs and all of veteran minicamps with soft tissue injuries. The fact he was going on the PUP and likely to miss more time hinted the ailments were more serious than the Bears were letting on. It also gave the critics of Claypool plenty of ammunition to trash both him and the team for the trade last year.
Thankfully it seems their fun will be short-lived. The Bears announced that merely 24 hours after landing on the PUP, Claypool would be removed. He is eligible for action when training camp practices begin on July 26th.
This is a welcome development for the team. It means their top three wide receivers, along with D.J. Moore and Darnell Mooney, will be healthy and together for the first time. Hopes are high for that trio to help Justin Fields evolve as a passer. Claypool has to pick up the pace. He's fighting for a new contract next year and can't afford setbacks like this.
Chase Claypool has only one path forward.
His grace period died almost immediately after he arrived. His production never took off following the trade. Then he suffered a knee injury that robbed him of what little momentum he had. The injuries in spring practices have only exacerbated the problem. If Claypool wants to change the narrative, he needs to play well. It's that simple. He must regain the form he showed in his first two years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bears remain steadfastly supportive of him, which is important.
Fields sounds excited about the progress he made since last year. Belief is strong that Chase Claypool should perform much better now that he has a stronger grasp of the offensive system. It is one that is somewhat notorious for being tough to grasp for wide receivers. The good news is the Bears won't need him to be the #1 guy. Moore and Mooney should command plenty of attention from defenses. Claypool will see lots of one-on-one opportunities.
