Bears fans and NFL watchers noticed Chase Claypool's lack of effort in Chicago's Week 1 loss to the Packers. The fourth-year receiver had no catches (and only two targets) while looking like he wanted to be anywhere else than at Soldier Field.
That led to questions throughout the past week over what the Bears might do with Claypool. Coach Matt Eberflus was asked if the receiver could be inactive for Week 2's matchup versus the Buccaneers and didn't rule out the possibility.
According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer (per Pro Football Talk), the message was conveyed more directly to Claypool. The receiver was told that another poor effort would result in being deactivated and "possibly even shipped out of town again."
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Claypool was acquired by the Bears from the Steelers for a second-round pick at the trade deadline in 2022.
After being put on notice, Claypool apologized to teammates, coaches, and general manager Ryan Poles for his performance.
Whether or not being called out results in a better effort has yet to be seen. Midway through the second quarter, the Bears trail the Bucs 10–7 and Claypool does not have a reception.
