Mike Tomlin says trade of Chase Claypool does not change passing game

Ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ Week 10 matchup versus the New Orleans Saints, head coach Mike Tomlin fielded questions about the direction of the team’s offense without Chase Claypool.

Claypool had the second-most targets on the team prior to his trade to the Chicago Bears but Tomlin says he doesn’t anticipate much changing in the passing game. The key to that is the continuation of Pat Friermuth‘s success.

“I don’t know that it does (change), as I mentioned, it’s not just the depth at the position that we were comfortable with, in terms of making that move,” Tomlin said. “Just the space in the field where Chase had made a lot of plays for us, also is the space in the field where Pat Friermuth makes a lot of plays for us. And so, it’s reasonable to expect him to get continually highlighted in that area as well.”

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Claypool, a second-round pick for the Steelers in the 2020 NFL Draft, had 32 receptions in Pittsburgh prior to the move to Chicago. Friermuth has 32 receptions as well, but with even more yards – 367 to 311.

Despite his confidence, Tomlin’s answer may not satiate fans. The 2-6 squad has struggled on offense all season. They haven’t scored more than 23 points in a game so far through Week 10.

Tomlin provides injury updates

As the Pittsburgh Steelers come out of the bye, they’re dealing with their share of notable injuries.

Tomlin listed seven players who ended up on Wednesday’s injury report, including Myles Jack, who’s dealing with a knee injury. He said the team is going to see how the week goes before making final determinations for Sunday’s game against the Saints.

“Myles Jack got minimized last week with the knee,” Tomlin said. “We’ll let his participation be our guide. [Chris] Kuntz experienced a rib injury. We’ll let his participation be our guide. It could limit him at the early portions of the week, but don’t have many reservations about his availability. [Ahkello] Witherspoon with the hamstring, Will Jackson — who we just acquired — with the back, might be limited some in the early portions of the week.

“Some existing things that we’re managing and will let their availability, the amount of availability and the quality of that work be our guide. Levi Wallace as he comes off his shoulder, [Larry] Ogunjobi as he comes off his knee and [Chris] Boswell as he works off of his groin.”

The Steelers will have a lot of players to watch for progress on Thursday and Friday. Kickoff for the game versus the Saints is at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.