The bizarre Chase Claypool saga keeps getting stranger by the day.
Not only was he a healthy-scratch for the Chicago Bears matchup against the Denver Broncos, but he was told to not attend the game at all.
A spokesperson for the Chicago Bears confirmed the decision, stating that Claypool had been designated a healthy-scratch.
The Bears lost a heartbreaker 31-28 to remain winless on the season.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Chicago is now looking to trade the troubled Claypool – and are apparently seeking a 5th or 6th round pick in return.
Sources: The #Bears are looking to trade WR Chase Claypool, asking for a 5th-or-6th round pick in return.
GM Ryan Poles has been actively calling teams he believes are in the market for a receiver.
Claypool was acquired via trade from the #Steelers last season. He is inactive… pic.twitter.com/HttUMggWla
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 1, 2023
This move comes just two days after Claypool expressed his frustration with his usage in the Bears offense.
When asked if he felt he had been put in the best position to showcase his skill set, Claypool paused for seven seconds before responding with a blunt “No.”
One thing all Bears fans can agree on today. Chase Claypool was put in the best position to help the team win. pic.twitter.com/PuUswKZftQ
— Chicago Vince (@ChicagoVince) October 1, 2023
Head coach Matt Eberflus insisted that Claypool’s comments did not directly lead to his benching, stating that the decision was made based on evaluations of meetings, walk-throughs, and practice performance.
He emphasized that this evaluation process is conducted every week to determine the active and inactive players.
The Bears had a total of five inactive players against Denver, including Claypool, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, safety Eddie Jackson, quarterback Nathan Peterman, and running back D’Onta Foreman.
Notably, all inactive players, except Claypool, were present on the home team sideline and in the locker room after the game.
Ironically, with Claypool absent, quarterback Justin Fields had his best performance of the season and the Bears nearly won the game.
Chase Claypool healthy scratch after 4 catches in 3 games
pic.twitter.com/odyI8BJIhx— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 1, 2023
Despite finding production elsewhere, Fields expressed his frustration at Claypool’s absence, saying: “Of course, I’m frustrated when one of your best weapons on the outside is not in the game. But it is what it is.”
“Do I want him on this team? … Of course. Chase, he’s a weapon. He’s passionate. He just has to work on his display of his emotions, and you know me and him have had multiple conversations with that. But I mean as far as do I want him on the team, that’s an easy answer: Yes, of course.”
“Coach and the front office, they made the decision, and that’s what it is. As a player, I can’t do anything about it. Got to go out there with the players that I have and execute to the best of my ability. So you know, I just try to control what I can control and kind of just stay out of what’s going on.”
Eberflus expects Claypool to return to the team today and anticipates that the wide receiver will remain with the Bears going forward.
He may say that publicly, but if you believe the reports, the Bears are actively trying to ship him out of town.
It seems like they have finally had enough of his poor attitude and work-ethic. (Which is ironic because those two things were never an issue when he played at Notre Dame.)
Regardless, what do you think the Bears should do – keep him or trade him?