Chicago Bears WR Chase Claypool out Sunday, Justin Fields to play

Friday’s injury report from the Chicago Bears shows that wide receiver Chase Claypool has been ruled out of Sunday’s contest versus the Philadelphia Eagles due to a lingering knee injury.

Chicago Bears WR Chase Claypool was ruled out against the Eagles

Claypool initially sustained this injury during Week 13’s loss to the Green Bay Packers, but despite entering the medical tent during the game, the receiver was eventually able to return to the field in the second half.

There is some concern for Claypool that this injury was unable to heal fully during the team’s late bye week, but there is still optimism in Chicago that the receiver will be able to return at some point this season.

The Bears, who already lost receiver Darnell Mooney for the remainder of the season, will now be missing their top two receivers when the number one seed in the NFC visits Chicago this weekend.

This will only be the third game that Claypool has missed in three years as a pro, but with high expectations for the remainder of the season, it is essential for him to play as much as possible at the end of the season.

Claypool, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has only accounted for 111 yards on 12 receptions through five games, and with the aforementioned injury to Mooney, there was some hope that the former Notre Dame receiver would be able to be used as the primary receiver and create a connection with Justin Fields in the final stretch of this season.

Claypool, who did not practice at any point this week, joins tight end Trevon Wesco as players who are officially ruled out this week, with tackle Larry Borom designated as doubtful. Receiver N’Keal Harry and cornerback Kindle Vildor are both questionable for Chicago’s 14th game of the season.

With Claypool out and Harry questionable, the receivers for this Sunday will include Equanimeous St. Brown, Dante Pettis, Byron Pringle, and rookie Velus Jones Jr. Combined, these four have combined for 39 receptions for 553 yards and four touchdowns.

On a positive note, Justin Fields was a full participant today and will start Sunday after having a non-Covid illness earlier this week.

Without his top two receivers, expect quarterback Justin Fields to rely on tight end Cole Kmet, who is top two on the Bears in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. The Bears will likely also try to continue their dominance on the ground with Fields and running back David Montgomery.