The Chicago Bears suffered a heartbreaking end on Sunday to what was a 2025 campaign that surpassed all expectations. Caleb Williams forced overtime with one of the most unbelievable throws in franchise history, only to give the ball right back to the Los Angeles Rams when the game was on the line.
Unfortunately, his most reliable pass catcher wasn't on the field. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland took a big blow to the head after reeling in an 18-yard grab during the fourth quarter and didn't return after leaving the field under his own power. Ultimately, Ben Johnson confirmed that he suffered a concussion. That's not a minor concern for this team.
Bears Can't Afford For Concussions to Be an Issue With Colston Loveland
This isn't something new with the Michigan product. He also suffered a concussion in his final year in college and had to miss a game. Concussions are no joke and tend to linger, so the Bears will have to be extremely cautious with him going forward.
There's nothing good about a concussion, but at least Loveland will have a full offseason to recover. He won't have to suit up and play next week, so there will be no rush or need to risk aggravating such a serious ailment.
Following a slow start to his career, the rookie tight end became the team's most proficient pass catcher. He finished the loss to the Los Angeles Rams with a team-leading 56 receiving yards, hauling in four of his team-high ten targets. All in all, he reeled in 12 of his 25 targets for 193 yards over his team's two postseason games.
Loveland ultimately took most of Cole Kmet's touches, which was no real surprise given how the two performed to close the regular season. The rookie also became instrumental down the stretch when Rome Odunze was out with an injury, finishing the season with 58 receptions on 82 targets for 713 receiving yards and six touchdowns. His physicality, steady hands, and crisp route-running ability make him a promising player and a constant big-play threat in the open field.
The Bears shocked the world in the first year of the Ben Johnson era. Given their youth and the fact that most of their core players are still on their rookie deals, GM Ryan Poles should be more than capable of surrounding them with the veterans they need to stay competitive for years to come.
Loveland looks like a superstar in the making, but there are bigger things in life than football. The Bears need to protect him. Concussions are a serious issue, and this cannot be a perennial concern with him -- or any other player, for what it's worth.