When the Chicago Bears traded a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Chase Claypool last season, the move was met with excitement and optimism for many Bears fans, who had seen the team lack an actual top wide receiving option after Allen Robinson departed in free agency. Claypool struggled to acclimate with the Bears, and the hope was that things would change in the 2023-24 season. That hit a snag Wednesday afternoon as Claypool left Wednesday’s practice with an injured hamstring.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus didn’t have any specific updates about Claypool’s injury, believed to have happened during a 1-on-1 drill. Eberflus told reporters, “We’ll see.” regarding Claypool’s status.
Chicago Sun-Times beat reporter Patrick Finley said Claypool’s injury seemed mild, as he stayed on the field with his teammates instead of going to the locker room but could not finish practice.
Chase Claypool hurt his hamstring today and didn't finish practice. It seemed mild enough, though — he stayed on the field with his teammates.
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) August 9, 2023
Claypool had just 14 receptions in seven games for the Bears last season, resulting in 140 yards and zero touchdowns. The former second-round pick is an unrestricted free agent following the 2023-24 season, so it’s safe to say the stakes are high for him as he heads into the year as part of a new-look Bears offense that added wide receiver DJ Moore and used a first-round pick on Tennessee Volunteers offensive tackle Darnell Wright.
