The Chicago Bears will look to win their second straight game this weekend as they travel to play the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.
Injury reports are making the lineups we'll see for each side clearer with each day, and it appears that Cole Kmet may be in line for a larger role in Week 4. Early Thursday afternoon, the Bears' Media Relations Team posted the team's latest injury report, and Kmet was listed as a full participant, despite continuing to deal with a groin injury.
Meanwhile, rookie tight end Colston Loveland was a DNP for the second straight day with a hip injury. That doesn't bode well for his status, and Kmet will probably be the main tight end for the team this weekend as a result.
Cole Kmet in Line to Be Bears Starter at TE Against Raiders
Once the Bears drafted Loveland this past April with the No. 10 overall pick, Kmet was effectively put on notice by this coaching staff. Nonetheless, Loveland hasn't gotten off to a hot start, logging three catches, on six targets, for 43 receiving yards. He played in 50% of the snaps in Weeks 1-2 before getting hurt against the Cowboys.
Kmet, on the other hand, has four grabs for 70 yards and a touchdown. He's also leading the Bears' tight ends in total snaps (176). With the rookie first-round pick likely to miss this game against the Raiders, Kmet is a player that Chicago will lean on at the position.
Loveland missed time during OTAs and training camp, as he was rehabbing from shoulder surgery. That could play a role in his slow start and may, ultimately, work in Kmet's favor. If the Notre Dame product can have a solid performance against Las Vegas, the Bears may be more inclined to get Kmet more involved moving forward.
Fellow rookie tight end Tyler Warren has 14 catches for 193 receiving yards for the Indianapolis Colts through three games. Loveland hasn't made that kind of impact in Chicago, which could lead to them holding onto Kmet longer than anticipated when the pick was made earlier this year. This weekend's contest against Las Vegas is a golden opportunity for Kmet to establish himself as a true weapon in this offense.
Despite Loveland having the higher draft pedigree, coaches care about winning football games. And that means having the best players on the field. While it doesn't appear to be a long-term injury for Loveland, Kmet could either make or break his future with the team during this stretch.
On the other hand, if Kmet doesn't play well, that could further push him out of the Bears' plans. Regardless, one way or the other, a lot of things can change for Kmet on Sunday.