Bears' Claypool to remain away from team, won't play vs. Commanders

Chicago Bears wide receiver Chase Claypool will remain away from the team and won't play against the Washington Commanders in Week 5, head coach Matt Eberflus said Monday on ESPN 1000, according to Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago is reportedly shopping the disgruntled receiver and made him a healthy scratch for Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos.

There was mixed messaging from the Bears about Claypool's absence in Week 4.

Eberflus initially said he gave Claypool the choice of whether or not to attend the game as an inactive player, and he chose not to, according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. Shortly after, a team spokesperson clarified that Chicago had told the pass-catcher to stay at home.

Asked about Claypool's status ahead of Thursday's matchup, Eberflus said, "He will not be in the building this particular week," per Lieser. The coach had previously said Sunday that he expected Claypool to return to the team Monday.

General manager Ryan Poles is reportedly seeking a fifth- or sixth-round pick for Claypool and has been contacting receiver-needy teams.

Claypool expressed frustration with his role in Chicago's offense on Friday, but Eberflus said his comments didn't factor into the decision to make him a healthy scratch.

The NFC North club acquired Claypool - who has four catches for 51 yards and a touchdown this season - from the Pittsburgh Steelers in November 2022 for a second-round pick that ultimately turned into the No. 32 overall selection.