Bears WR Chase Claypool expected to play vs. Lions

The final two games of the Chicago Bears’ 2022 season are more about evaluating the roster and building culture than winning. Coaches and players will, of course, make their best effort to secure a victory, but with a 3-12 record and a chance for the first overall pick, the reality is this Bears team has had its eye on 2023 for several weeks.

One player who will benefit from two more games is wide receiver Chase Claypool, who’s been sidelined for the last two weeks with a knee injury. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Claypool is expected to play Sunday against the Lions.

#Bears WR Chase Claypool, listed as questionable with a knee injury, is expected to play today, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2023

The Bears acquired Claypool from the Steelers at the 2022 trade deadline in exchange for their 2023 second-round pick. As it currently stands, that pick is No. 33 overall. It’s a rich price to pay for a player who’s managed only 12 catches for 111 yards in five games, but patience is required when evaluating the trade.

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Chase Claypool’s impact on Bears offense coming in 2023

Chase Claypool was in a no-win situation from the start. He joined a struggling Bears passing offense midseason and was slapped with unreasonable expectations that he would immediately become the alpha WR1. Those expectations failed to consider the fact that he’s learning an entirely new playbook while trying to build chemistry with Justin Fields.

Claypool said this week that he’d make Bears fans happy with the trade. But it’s unlikely that will happen this year. The 2022 season is like an extended preseason for Claypool to acclimate himself to Chicago’s playbook and his teammates. He’ll be ready to launch in 2023.

The good news is he’s healthy enough to return to action. And any reps are good reps for his learning curve at this point.

The Bears and Lions Week 17 game is scheduled to kick off at 12 p.m. CST from Ford Field in Detroit.