Another day of Pittsburgh Steelers training camp, another potential injury to a key member of this year's offense. It appeared as and was reported that wide receiver, Chase Claypool left practice with an elbow/arm injury. The nature of the injury is unknown at this time, but Claypool was seen walking off the field, grimacing and holding his arm.
Claypool comes up holding his right elbow, upper arm
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) July 29, 2022
This season is an important one for the third year wide receiver after his disappointing season a year ago that had only two total touchdowns and several mental mistakes throughout the year. According to NBC Edge Sports, any missed time could affect his rapport with new quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky.
"Claypool was spotted holding his arm in pain before walking off with a trainer. Coming off a down year, Claypool was poised for a bounceback with quarterback play that fits his skill-set better. Any missed time in training camp could hamper his ability to get on the same page as Mitchell Trubisky, the likely Week 1 starter."
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Chase Claypool (#11) participates in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) Wednesday June 1, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Claypool has gone down several times during the regular season on Sundays, but has only missed two total games in his NFL career. Any injury to the Notre Dame alum would provide rookie receiver, George Pickens, with a golden opportunity.
"George Pickens, the team's second-round receiver from Georgia, would immediately jump into a larger role if Claypool is sidelined for an extended period of time. Pickens is firmly on the radar as a late-round dart throw."2022 Steelers Dynamic Duo of George Pickens and Calvin Austin Impressive On The Field
The wide receiver battle for the Steelers will be a tough one. Diontae Johnson is currently working out on the side and giving reps to the rest of the group. Claypool's potential absence really opens the door for Pickens and fellow rookie Calvin Austin III. Getting banged up in training camp is always a possibility after a long off-season, but it could hurt Claypool's ability to show that he has improved since last season and could potentially lead into the rookies getting more reps and playing time in August.
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 25: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) takes part in a drill during the team's OTA practice on May 25, 2022, at the Steelers Practice Facility in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
This is something to keep an eye on as new quarterbacks on the roster are attempting to make connections with the receivers. Any time missed is crucial and could come back to bite whoever is injured.
Do you think that a couple of practices on the sideline could impact Claypool's WR2 status? Let us know in the comments below!
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