It has been a rough few weeks for Cole Kmet since the Chicago Bears returned from their bye. The veteran tight end has had back-to-back duds, amassing two catches for 16 yards. He is now at nine catches for 132 yards for the season despite playing 77% of the team's offensive snaps.
To complicate matters further, Kmet suffered a back injury in the third quarter and didn't return to the game on Sunday. This could, however, be a blessing in disguise for the Bears.
Kmet is currently in the midst of his least productive campaign since his rookie year in 2020. While some thought that the selection of Colston Loveland in the first round could light a fire under Kmet, that couldn't have been farther from the truth. The Bears have initially slowly integrated Loveland into the offense, but have gradually increased his workload since the bye week. Kmet's injury gives head coach Ben Johnson no choice but to fully unleash the rookie.
It's Time the Bears Unleash Colston Loveland After Cole Kmet's Injury
Loveland played a season-high 46 snaps against the Saints, partly bolstered by Kmet's early exit. Yet, he continued to be used more as a blocker, 28 of these snaps as a blocker on a run play, per Pro Football Focus. He was only targeted four times, catching three for 24 yards. For the season, the tenth overall pick has eight catches for 78 yards, and he has yet to find the end zone.
Tight ends tend to come on slowly. The adjustment to the NFL for such a physical position can take longer than for other players. Loveland is only 21 years old and played three years of college football. It is understandable that the team didn't consider him ready to be a full-time starter to begin the season. With Kmet potentially out, what better way to get the former Michigan standout up to speed than by increasing his workload?
Johnson didn't provide much detail about the latest on Kmet, teasing that we would get a better idea on Wednesday. Bears insider Adam Jahns said that, both he and CB Tyrique Stevenson should be considered day-to-day, week-to-week.
While there is a significant difference between day-to-day and week-to-week, the chances of Kmet suiting up for the Week 8 clash against the Ravens seem low. In that case, Bears fans should brace for a potential Colston Loveland breakout game.