The future of Bears wide receiver Chase Claypool remains a hot topic of conversation ahead of the team’s Thursday night matchup against the Commanders.
Claypool was a healthy scratch for last Sunday’s game against the Broncos, which came on the heels of him making comments about coaches not putting him in the best position to succeed. Claypool was asked not to be in attendance at Soldier Field, and head coach Matt Eberflus said Claypool wouldn’t be a Halas Hall this week.
Quarterback Justin Fields, who’s long been a defendant of Claypool, said Eberflus told the team Claypool’s benching wasn’t the result of one action rather a culmination of things.
“It sucks, but at the end of the day, you can’t control it,” Fields said Tuesday. “You’ve got to go out there with guys that we have and execute like we did this past Sunday. Wish nothing but the best for Chase. I think he knows that he kind of messed up by saying that, but wish him nothing but the best.
“He’s a talented player, and he’s a great person, has a good heart, and works really hard. Definitely going to be staying in touch with him regardless of what happens and wish him nothing but the best.”
There’s been plenty of speculation about Claypool’s future in Chicago, whether it’s reports that the Bears are looking to trade him or that teams expect Claypool to be released.
At this point, it certainly feels like the marriage between Claypool and the Bears is over. It’s just a matter of when — and if Chicago can get any draft capital in return.