Chase Claypool Frustrated By Injury-Disrupted Training Camp

UNITY TWP., Pa. — Chase Claypool came into his third Pittsburgh Steelers training camp with a lot to prove after a somewhat underwhelming sophomore season in 2021. Unfortunately for him, he hasn’t been able to do much of that proving thanks to a pair of injuries that have sidelined him through most of the early part of training camp, a process he said has been frustrating, but he doesn’t believe it will be detrimental to his 2022 season.

“I practiced twice, got hurt. Came back, practiced twice, got hurt,” Claypool said. “It’s frustrating, especially when you spend the whole offseason fixing those things. But I’m feeling good now.”

Claypool said the two injuries weren’t related, and he doesn’t think he’s too far behind despite missing so much time. He’s been throwing with some of the quarterbacks before and after practice, even when he wasn’t practicing.

“Definitely not in terms of knowledge-wise, but more in terms of reps with the quarterbacks,” he said. “I know everything that’s going on and I feel comfortable with everything. It’s just more in terms of being out there with the guys.”

With that in mind, he’s looking forward to participating in the Steelers’ final two preseason games.

“I think it’s always good to get some reps before it’s go time,” he said. “I missed a lot of the live periods, so it’s hard to replicate those live periods when there’s a DB harassing you and stuff like that. So it’s good to get that in the game.”

On Saturday, Claypool liked what he saw from the rest of the receivers room with himself, Diontae Johnson, Calvin Austin III and Anthony Miller all held out.

“The receivers balled out,” he said. “I was so excited for all of them. I called George (Pickens’) touchdown. I knew that was going to happen, and then when Tyler Vaughns got the game-winning touchdown, that was the happiest I’ve been in a while. It was awesome.”

Pickens took full advantage of the extra opportunities provided to him in training camp with Claypool and Johnson out of the lineup, becoming one of the budding stars of the team. Claypool isn’t particularly surprised.

“I said I thought he was going to be one of the best rookie receivers and people thought I was kidding,” Claypool said. “But I really do think he is. I love running down the field. ‘Tae is a deep threat as well. I’m super excited to open up the playbook this year.”