The impact of microplastics (MPs; < 5 mm diameter) on physiological processes is becoming an increasing concern in organisms inhabiting coastal and estuarine areas. Many marine organisms spend large portions of their life in these habitats, exposing themselves to MPs via respiration and consumption. It has recently been documented that MPs can be translocated to organs, impact physiological processes, and alter behavior although these consequences appear to be species specific and dependent on MP size. This study aims to determine the physiological consequences of MPs on the recreationally and commercially important blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. C. sapidus were exposed to water column concentrations of microplastics (average 2 µm diameter) at a concentration of 1 x10⁶ particles L^-1 for a period of 120 h. Water was replaced daily to replenish the microplastic concentration. After 120 h, standard metabolic rate (SMR) was assessed via resting oxygen consumption rate. Microplastic translocation to hemolymph, hepatopancreas, gills, digestive tract, and swimming muscle was assessed via tissue digestion and epifluorescence microscopy. After 120 h of MP exposure, crabs had a significantly higher SMR than those not exposed to MPs. Additionally, MPs were found to translocate to the hemolymph of crabs with an average concentration of 1.16 x 10^-3 mg/ml. This translocation was verified via microscopy. These results indicate that blue crabs are susceptible to physiological impairments from microplastics. This may have a profound influence on the animal’s daily energy budget, which could have ecological consequences.