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.
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.
