Colston Loveland missed out on spring practices with the Bears as a result of his ongoing shoulder rehab. The first-round rookie continues to make progress toward a return to the field, however. 
Loveland was able to conduct limited individual workouts in recent months while continuing to recover. A clean bill of health in time for the start of the regular season remained a target at the time of the draft given his six-month timeline. Hitting that figure would involve a return to during training camp, and that is still the expectation at this point.
Head coach Ben Johnson said (via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin) the team believes Loveland will be cleared “at some point” in camp. Getting in at least limited reps during padded practices will of course be crucial for the Michigan product as he prepares to handle an offensive role right away. Expectations will be high early in the No. 10 pick’s career.
Loveland was the top tight end to come off the board, and he was firmly on the radar of plenty of teams other than the Bears to be a selection early in the draft. Chicago already has Cole Kmet in place, but adding Loveland to the mix will give them a high-end receiving option at the tight end spot. Given Johnson’s acumen as a play-caller, he will be expected to integrate Loveland into the fold – as part of a skill-position group also featuring wideouts D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze and second-rounder Luther Burden – rather quickly.
Loveland earned first-team All-Big 10 acclaim in 2023 while helping lead the Wolverines to a national championship. During his final college campaign, his AC joint injury cost him time and hindered his production as a result. Still, the 6-6, 248 pound pass-catcher received a second-team All-American nod for his impact on offense. Parlaying that into a strong early showing at the NFL level would help the Bears improve on offense and take a needed step forward during quarterback Caleb Williams‘ second year at the helm.
2025 also marks Johnson’s first year as a head coach, and his ability to develop Williams and Co. will be central to his success in the new gig. Loveland will be in position to handle at least a part-time offensive role in that effort, especially if he is able to receive full clearance early in training camp.
I think everybody should stop the Bears are trading Cole Kmet rumors because I don’t see that happening. I actually supported it as a way to save 11 million dollars but because Lovelands shoulder is an unknown I don’t see that happening until the trade deadline at best and the off season at the latest. I suppose it all boils down to what the Cap situation is for next year. If Smythe proves capable and the Bears have an undrafted guy they like if he pans out it could happen but they’ll see how the shoulder holds up before they decide.
Tight end is also such a hard position to excel at as a rookie. Seems needless to cut Kmet loose right now.
Cutting a TE that has caught over 80% of passes thrown his way the past 2 seasons seems like a thing the Bears would do…lol.
Johnson loved a two TE set in Detroit. I suppose that could change, but I doubt it. And Kmet and Loveland have different skill sets. He may be a cap casualty next offseason. (Edmunds as well).
Yes, Kmet sticks around for 2025. Need to see what you have with Loveland. Same goes for DJ Moore. He too has been a rumored trade candidate. The 2026 season may lead to other developments with these guys.
Colston Loveland still sounds like a romance novel hero… err, not that I read those… often… I mean, EVER!…