Chase Claypool left the Pittsburgh Steelers game on Monday with what turned out to be a toe injury. What is the latest regarding Claypool’s injury, and what is his status heading into Week 10?
Chase Claypool has not practiced yet with a toe injury
So far, we have not had an update as to the exact nature of Claypool’s injury. All we know is that a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network that it was a week-to-week issue. An injury described as week-to-week is usually not a good sign for a player’s immediate availability.
After Claypool was listed as a non-participant Friday, he was been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.
Claypool looks set to miss his second game of the season
If Claypool is sidelined Sunday, it would be his second absence of the year. He also missed the Steelers’ Week 4 loss to the Packers with a hamstring injury. For the most part, Claypool has been on a similar pace to his rookie season. He has averaged 0.2 more receptions per game (4.1) and is averaging 0.8 more yards per reception (14.9).
Claypool’s numbers so far this season? 29 receptions on 52 targets for 433 yards and a touchdown. He has also added 51 yards on the ground on 6 rushing attempts. This week’s matchup with the Lions is one the Steelers should expect to win. Therefore, resting Claypool this week to try and make sure he is healthy for the stretch run looks to be a smart decision.
With JuJu Smith-Schuster already missing for the Steelers, the absence of Claypool would force the Steelers to turn to their fourth receiving option on Sunday.
James Washington could see an increased role in Week 10
James Washington’s career in Pittsburgh has been frustrating. In his second season, he had 44 receptions for 735 yards and 3 touchdowns. That year, it looked like he might be ready to kick on after playing 68% of the snaps. However, he struggled for playing time in 2020 (44% of snaps), and he posted just 30 receptions.
If Claypool misses a couple of weeks, Washington has a chance to put himself in the shop window. Washington is in the final year of his rookie deal and is set to be an unrestricted free agent in March.
So far this season, Washington has caught 12 of his 18 targets for 154 yards. His 66.7% catch rate is a career-best mark. If he can continue that rate with more opportunities, he could be a reasonably hot commodity on the open market.
With Washington potentially stepping into a starting role, the Steelers will rely on Ray-Ray McCloud and Cody White as their extra receiving options this week. They could also lean on tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Eric Ebron. Additionally, if Claypool cannot play, the Steelers may elevate one or more of their practice squad WRs: Anthony Miller, Steven Sims, or Tyler Vaughns.