The Chicago Bears had a chance to rest and regroup during their bye week and are now preparing for their Week 6 matchup on Monday against the Washington Commanders.
On Tuesday, the team had a light practice for the first time this week, giving fans a better idea of who may be returning from injury. Even though the Bears faithful won't get an official injury report until Thursday, The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain provided a list of players who missed the latest practice, with one of the most disappointing non-participants being rookie tight end Colston Loveland.
Although an absence isn't usually the end of the world, Loveland's latest missed practice isn't doing him any favors.
Colston Loveland Still Not Practicing Ahead of Week 6
Loveland was not spotted during the portion open to the media, along with safety Jaquan Brisker, kicker Cairo Santos, and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. This is a surprising development because Loveland reportedly had a chance to play in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite eventually getting ruled out, his hip injury was not believed to be serious. The fact that the first-year pro is still not participating nine days after the game is certainly concerning.
Tuesday's development is frustrating for Bears fans who are desperate to see their standout playmaker in action. Loveland has not had a real chance to show what he could do on the field. He was still recovering from a right shoulder surgery at the start of training camp, and now he is dealing with this hip injury, which has limited him to three games and a total of 80 offensive snaps so far.
Fellow Chicago TE Cole Kmet has left plenty to be desired with his start to the 2025 season, and there is an organizational impetus to give the reins at tight end to Loveland slowly. Kmet had a big opportunity in Week 4 in Loveland's absence, but didn't take advantage of it, only catching three of his team-high nine targets, before finishing with a season-worst 46.9 offensive grade on Pro Football Focus.
If Loveland misses more time, Kmet will likely continue to get force-fed targets, much to the frustration of Bears fans.
This start also puts even more pressure on Loveland. A controversial pick with the No. 10 overall pick, the former Michigan star was selected ahead of Tyler Warren, who many assumed the Bears would select if he was still on the board. General manager Ryan Poles passed on Warren, who has been dominating for the Colts through five weeks, putting up 23 catches, 307 yards, and a touchdown.
Unfortunately, the fans and media will likely compare the two for the rest of their careers, and if Loveland struggles to get back on the field, the pressure will continue to mount.