The preseason is important for solving position battles at the end of the roster and depth chart. At tight end, we might not get to see Colston Loveland or Cole Kmet much because they are already in their roles before the season.
Rookie Sam Roush will play, and all eyes will be on how he adapts to the NFL. Still, he is unlikely to play far beyond the first quarter and will not be playing into the second half.
This is going to leave the rest of the game up for the competition for the fourth tight end.
Chicago Bears fourth tight end competition picks up in preseason opener
The fourth tight end would not be a roster lock, but there would be a strong chance for them to push for the 53. They would also be the top candidate to make the practice squad.
Stephen Carlson
Carlson has been in the NFL since 2019 and has been with the Bears since 2023. His experience is going to have many listing him as the fourth tight end. However, he has been active for three games in three seasons and has typically been on the practice squad. So, if anyone below him shows flashes, they can pass him.
Nikola Kalinic
Kalinic has been in the NFL since 2022 and with the Bears since August of 2025. He spent the entire year on the Bears' practice squad, aside from being elevated for two games. He has less experience than Carlson. However, he is younger; he was with the team last year, and they signed him when Ben Johnson was the coach. Johnson inherited Carlson.
Qadir Ismail
Ismail has been in the NFL since 2024 and has bounced around to five different practice squads. He caught on with the Bears in November of last year. He is more of a thin, pass-catching tight end who could be a bigger receiver on certain plays.
Similar to Kalinic, he was signed after Johnson was the head coach, so there is intrigue. Ismail can win the fourth spot and get back to the practice squad.
Hayden Large
Large is a rookie UDFA from Iowa. He brings the blocking prowess from Iowa. His age and rookie status make him more intriguing than any of the other names on the list. Now, he needs any sort of flashes in the preseason to climb the depth chart and ensure he is a practice squad player.
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