Former Steelers Receivers Making Headlines
This week has seen a series of significant developments involving former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers, with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Martavis Bryant, and Chase Claypool all making the news for various reasons.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Brief Stint in New England
The New England Patriots made headlines by releasing JuJu Smith-Schuster on Tuesday. Smith-Schuster's time with the Patriots was notably brief, leaving many to speculate about his next move. Known for his dynamic play and social media presence, Smith-Schuster is already on the hunt for a new team that can utilize his talents and potentially reignite his career.
Martavis Bryant Signs with the Washington Commanders
Martavis Bryant, another former Steeler known for his speed and ability to make big plays, has found a new home with the Washington Commanders. The Commanders' decision to sign Bryant reflects their intent to strengthen their receiving corps. Bryant's addition is expected to bring a new level of excitement and deep-threat capability to Washington's offense.
Chase Claypool's Injury Woes Continue
The Buffalo Bills have placed Chase Claypool on injured reserve following a toe injury suffered on July 28. Initially described by head coach Sean McDermott as "day-to-day," the injury has proven to be more severe than originally thought, raising concerns that Claypool may be sidelined for the entire 2024 season. "It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them," McDermott lamented.
Claypool, who was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, made an immediate impact during his rookie season by scoring 11 touchdowns. He even set a franchise record by becoming the first rookie in Steelers history to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his performance took a dip in 2021, managing just two touchdown catches that season.
Before the trade deadline in 2022, Claypool was traded to the Chicago Bears. His output was limited during his time with the Bears, catching only one touchdown in Pittsburgh's first eight games that year. Last season, he also suited up for the Miami Dolphins but caught just eight of 21 targets.
Despite his recent injury troubles, Claypool had earned praise during spring practices with the Bills before his setback. "It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody," McDermott said. He added, "And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back."
McDermott continued to express his support for Claypool, stating, "I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point. He's been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there and I think that'll continue as we move forward. We're happy to have him."
The Bills' decision to place Claypool on injured reserve is a significant blow, not just for the player himself but also for the team's receiving depth. At 26 years old, Claypool still has time to overcome this latest hurdle and return to form, but the road to recovery will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills made another major move by trading Stefon Diggs to Houston, a decision that will undoubtedly impact their receiving options moving forward.
The recent developments involving these former Steelers wide receivers highlight the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where team rosters and player fortunes can change rapidly. As the new season approaches, fans will be eager to see how players like Smith-Schuster, Bryant, and Claypool navigate their latest challenges and opportunities.