Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have garnered significant attention this week, as shifting team dynamics and injury updates dominate the football news cycle.
Smith-Schuster Released by Patriots
JuJu Smith-Schuster's short tenure with the New England Patriots came to an abrupt end on Tuesday when the team released him. Smith-Schuster, a former fan favorite in Pittsburgh, is once again on the hunt for a new team that can utilize his impressive skill set. His departure from New England marks yet another chapter in his tumultuous NFL career.
Commanders Bolster Their Receiving Corps
In a bid to strengthen their receiving ranks, the Washington Commanders have signed Martavis Bryant. Known for his blazing speed and ability to make big plays, Bryant adds a new dynamic to the Commanders' offense. The acquisition appears to be a strategic move to enhance the team's overall performance and provide their quarterback with another viable deep-threat target.
Chase Claypool's Injury Woes
The Buffalo Bills placed Chase Claypool on injured reserve due to a toe injury he suffered on July 28. Initially described by head coach Sean McDermott as a "day-to-day" issue, the injury has turned out to be more severe, raising concerns that Claypool might miss the entire 2024 season.
Claypool, who was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, burst onto the scene during his rookie season, scoring an impressive 11 touchdowns. He even made Steeler's history by becoming the first rookie to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, the subsequent seasons have been less kind to him. In 2021, Claypool managed just two touchdown catches, and by 2022, he was traded to the Chicago Bears before the trade deadline.
His performance with the Bears and, later, with the Dolphins was lackluster, as he caught only one touchdown through Pittsburgh's first eight games in 2022 and managed to catch just eight of 21 targets last season. Despite these setbacks, McDermott remains hopeful about Claypool's potential return. "It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them," McDermott remarked. "It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody."
Despite the hurdles, McDermott has praised Claypool's commitment and effort. "I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back," he said. "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."
A Busy Period for Former Steelers
This has indeed been a crucial period for these former Steelers, as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of the NFL. While Smith-Schuster seeks a new home and Bryant looks to revitalize his career with the Commanders, Claypool's focus remains on recovery and making a strong comeback.
As teams prepare for the upcoming season, these former Pittsburgh stars remind us of the dynamic, often unpredictable nature of the sport, where careers can change in an instant, but the pursuit of excellence remains unwavering.