The Latest Chase Claypool Update Is Not Ideal

Chase Claypool is probably under more pressure than any wide receiver the Chicago Bears have. Not only is he facing an expiring contract this season, but he also came at a high price (2nd round pick) and immediately underperformed upon arrival. Fans already have a sour taste in their mouths with him. The 24-year-old hasn't done himself any favors in the past few months. He missed most of OTAs and veteran minicamps with what was described as "soft tissue" problems. Hopes remained high that he would get right for training camp.

Now even that looks uncertain. Field Yates of ESPN reported that Claypool was going on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. That meant he will be inactive to start training camp as he continues healing from the undisclosed injury. This leads one to wonder if the ailment is considerably more serious than reported. Panic is not necessary yet since players can come off the PUP at any time over the next month. However, if this carries toward the regular season, he would be forced to miss the first six games if not activated.

Chase Claypool can't rely on his trade status forever.

The Bears are giving him leeway right now because they invested a lot in him. They feel he can be a valuable part of their offense with his mixture of size and speed. None of that matters if he can't stay on the field. He already missed two games last year with a knee injury. Now he is falling behind others on the roster in establishing a connection with Justin Fields. D.J. Moore has already found his groove with the Bears quarterback. Darnell Mooney is back working out and will be ready for camp.

Velus Jones reportedly looks improved, and rookie Tyler Scott didn't look out of place in the spring as well. Chase Claypool is clinging to that #3 spot at this point. If either of those two comes out of the gates hot to start camp while he's still out, this coaching staff doesn't seem like they'll be inclined to wait for him. Their goal is to get the best players on the field. The team remains supportive of him, as they should. Still, that support has a shelf life.