Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool had a disappointing second season in the NFL.
But he also dealt with toe and hamstring injuries over the course of the season, missing just two games because of them.
Turns out, they weren't the only injuries Claypool played through.
The second-year wide receiver posted a photo collage on Tuesday that included him in a post-operation recovery from a surgical procedure on his right arm. Claypool is left-handed.
It is when I persevere through struggle that I strengthen. It is when challenged to my core that I learn the depth of who I am.
— Chase Claypool (@ChaseClaypool) January 26, 2022
Year 2 ✅officially in the books 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/to5SYvnqyo
Mike Tomlin said after the season ended that none of his players were slated to undergo any major surgical procedures. So, it can be assumed that Claypool's issue was of the clean-up variety.
After catching 62 passes for 873 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie in 2020, the former second-round draft pick, who also rushed for two touchdowns, saw his numbers dip to 59 receptions for 860 yards in 2021. He did play one fewer game.
His rushing totals, however, improved, as he ran for 96 yards on 14 attempts.
Claypool also drew the ire of the coaching staff and fans for signaling for a first down with time running out after making a fourth-down catch in a 36-28 loss to the Vikings.
That, and multiple penalties, led to Tomlin having him split time with James Washington for a few games.
But he did rebound to win the starting job back by season's end and caught what turned out to be a game-winning touchdown pass in the regular season finale against the Ravens that boosted the Steelers into the playoffs.