MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Mike McDaniel’s Miami Dolphins put another 31 points and 524 yards on the board in Week 5, and through Sunday’s games, rank first in the NFL in every major statistical category.
And the worst news for the rest of the NFL: Even more reinforcements are on the way.
This Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers should feature the Dolphins debut of wide receiver Chase Claypool, acquired via trade in recent days from the Chicago Bears. Claypool is expected to practice for the first time with the Dolphins on Wednesday.
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Chase Claypool Set To Make Miami Dolphins Debut?
Claypool didn’t play Sunday, but was at the stadium supporting his brand new team.
He’s surely champing at the bit to get back on the field.
Claypool — who caught nine touchdown passes as a rookie but just four in the three seasons since — hasn’t played since Week 3 after a major falling out with the Bears’ coaching staff.
Claypool’s reputation has taken a massive hit after he put unacceptable effort on tape with the Bears. But he’s still very talented — and very fast — and perhaps a change in address and culture will rejuvenate his career.
MORE: What Does the NFL Playoff Picture Look Like After Week 5? Dolphins, Eagles Leading the Way
The Dolphins — who gave up next to nothing to acquire Claypool and would owe nothing if they cut him — are definitely hoping that’s the case.
They don’t need Claypool to be what the Bears expected him to be. They have Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and Braxton Berrios.
But they absolutely do need a high-effort backup with both River Cracraft and Erik Ezukanma no longer on the 53-man roster due to injuries.
Expect Claypool to compete with Cedrick Wilson Jr. (who had four catches for 52 yards on 29 snaps Sunday) and Robbie Chosen (zero targets on 10 snaps) for playing time, beginning this week.
Giants vs Dolphins snap counts pic.twitter.com/0IMSVhglSZ
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) October 9, 2023
“I got to say what’s up to him at the team hotel last night, got to chop it up a little bit and things like that,” Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa said after Sunday’s 31-16 victory over the Bears.
“But it’s an ever-growing thing with why things happen to certain people. The media has a way of how they portray certain individuals. I think this is an opportunity for guys in our locker room to see who he is and for him to express himself to the guys in the locker room. We’re going to base our opinions and things about Chase or any other person that we end up acquiring off of really our own opinions.”