The past week has been eventful for several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers, each making headlines as their careers take new turns.
JuJu Smith-Schuster On The Move Again
JuJu Smith-Schuster's journey in the NFL has seen another twist, as the New England Patriots released him on Tuesday. His tenure in New England was brief and unspectacular, leaving Smith-Schuster in search of yet another team willing to harness his talents. This development underscores the often unpredictable nature of NFL careers, even for players who have previously shown considerable promise.
Martavis Bryant Joins the Commanders
In a bid to bolster their receiving corps, the Washington Commanders signed Martavis Bryant. Known for his speed and big-play ability, Bryant's addition aims to provide a spark to the Commanders' offense. This strategic move highlights Washington's commitment to strengthening their roster and enhancing their aerial threats.
Chase Claypool Faces Uncertain Future
Over in Buffalo, the Bills placed Chase Claypool on injured reserve following a toe injury sustained on July 28. Initially described by head coach Sean McDermott as "day-to-day", the severity of Claypool's condition has sparked concerns that he may miss 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 commented, reflecting the frustration of losing a key player to injuries.
Claypool's potential absence would be a significant blow to the Bills, given his promising start in professional football. Selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Claypool scored 11 touchdowns during his rookie season, including a historic single-game performance where he became the first rookie in Steelers franchise history to score four touchdowns.
Plagued by Inconsistency
Despite his initial burst onto the scene, Claypool's subsequent seasons have been marred by inconsistency. In 2021, he managed just two touchdown catches. His journey took another turn when he was traded to the Chicago Bears before the 2022 trade deadline. During the first eight games of that season, Claypool caught only one touchdown for Pittsburgh and continued to struggle upon joining the Bears and later the Dolphins, catching just eight of 21 targets.
This past spring, however, Claypool earned praise during practices with the Buffalo Bills. "I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point," McDermott noted. "He's been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there and I think that'll continue as we move forward."
At 26 years old, Claypool still has time on his side, and the Bills' coaching staff remains optimistic about his potential return to form. "I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back," McDermott added. "We're happy to have him."
Implications for the Bills
The Bills' decision to place Claypool on injured reserve comes amidst other significant roster changes. Notably, the team traded star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to Houston, presumably to make room for new talents and invest in future prospects.
As the season progresses, the Bills will need to navigate these changes carefully. The added depth from young players like Claypool is crucial to their offensive strategy. However, his injury poses a challenging hurdle, one that the team hopes to overcome with time and targeted rehabilitation efforts.
In the fast-paced and unforgiving world of professional football, these shifts and challenges are part and parcel of the game. For players like Smith-Schuster, Bryant, and Claypool, the upcoming months will be decisive in shaping their careers and contributions to their respective teams.