The Chicago Bears are in need of answers after starting the season 0-2. Head coach Ben Johnson is looking for some solutions, and it appears getting one Bears rookie more looks is a fix he has in mind heading into Week 3.
While speaking to the media on Wednesday, Johnson said, "The fact that the tight ends are not involved more is on me."
Ben Johnson Takes Blame for Slow Start for Colston Loveland
Colston Loveland has recorded just two catches (three targets) for 12 receiving yards. Meanwhile, Cole Kmet had three receptions (six targets) with 60 receiving yards.
The offense as a whole needs to be more productive, but the Bears had high hopes for Loveland. They used the 10th overall pick on him, making the Michigan tight end the first off the board at his position.
The Indianapolis Colts took Tyler Warren with the 14th overall selection, and he's off to a great start that's certainly turned heads in the Windy City. Warren has 11 catches (16 targets) for 155 receiving yards and 14.1 yards per reception in two stellar opening games to begin his career. The Colts have made it a priority to get Warren involved in the game plan, and Chicago needs to find a way to do the same with their young tight end.
Unfortunately, Loveland missed some time this offseason with shoulder surgery, which forced him to play some catch-up when returning and likely owes a part to his slow start. Nonetheless, Johnson does need to find different ways to get Loveland into the flow of the game to boost his confidence and add another playmaker that defenses need to worry about.
During Johnson's tenure in Detroit, he consistently got Sam LaPorta involved. Fans were under the assumption that Loveland could take a similar role, but it hasn't unfolded that way in 2025.
The Bears play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, which should give the rooie a chance to get the offense going. Dallas is 30th in the NFL in team defense (404) and pass defense (283). Russell Wilson just threw for 450 yards against that unit and had them on the field for 32 minutes. Considering that the game also went into overtime, you could see this defense get tired out in the second half.
This looks like a great chance to get Loveland rolling, and Johnson saying this to the media showcases it's on his mind.