The Chicago Bears had full attendance for the first day of mandatory OTAs, and that is great news. Of course, some names were off to the side with injuries. Big names such as Eddie Jackson and Darnell Mooney were known to be missing this portion of the offseason, as they are still recovering from injuries during the season.
However, one name that was a bit surprising to be missing was Chase Claypool. Matt Eberflus brushed it off, for the most part, stating that things were minor, but at the same time, he also said that Claypool had a few things holding him up.
Is Chase Claypool injury concerning for Chicago Bears?
Per Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, perfect attendance in the building for mandatory minicamp.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) June 13, 2023
On WR Chase Claypool, Eberflus said, "He's dealing with a few things. ... Just a few minor things." Claypool is working with the team trainers.
For the most part, this is not an issue. It is minor, and we are months away from the season. Claypool will have more than a month to hang out and get ready for training camp, and he will be 100%. Still, this is a huge season for Chase Claypool, and the last thing you want to hear is another issue or another question with him.
Claypool was behind on the playbook last year after jumping in late. He also missed time last year with an injury. Claypool believes that he knows the playbook better, and Justin Fields has admitted that his attitude is improved from last year. Still, you would like to see it on the field, and you would like to see him checking every box, not a box here and there.
Beyond that, Claypool's missing time last year does not ease concerns. Will he be someone who is in and out of practice this year, and will this be something that continues through the end of his time with the Chicago Bears?
At the end of the day, this may not be a big deal. However, for Claypool, he needs everything to line up for a huge season if he wants that payday, and before training camp even begins he is a bit behind schedule. When you think of it like that, it is frustrating, not only for fans but surely for Claypool, who knows that a contract is on the line and that he has to get on the field with his quarterback before D.J. Moore becomes his only target.