Bears expected to lean on Colston Loveland in Week 8 with Cole Kmet battling setback

The Chicago Bears are looking to earn their fifth straight win against a hungry Baltimore Ravens, who could be getting quarterback Lamar Jackson back after missing two games with a hamstring injury.

It will be a battle in the NFC-AFC matchup. Baltimore is looking to get back on track while starting the season with a 1-5 record, while Chicago tries to stay competitive in the NFC North, keeping up with teams like the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions.

However, the Bears could be left short in the tight end room after Cole Kmet left their Week 7 game after sustaining a back injury. This could leave the door wide open for 2025 first-round pick Colston Loveland.

Bears expected to rely on Colston Loveland with the injury to Cole Kmet

After leaving in the third quarter of the Bears' 26-14 win over the New Orleans Saints last week, tight end Cole Kmet hasn't practiced this week. His status for this week remains uncertain.

With this news, the Bears could be relying heavily on 2025 first-round pick Colston Loveland.

The 21-year-old rookie has had an underwhelming start to his career while battling injuries of his own this season, resulting in just eight receptions and 78 receiving yards over five games.

However, Loveland was used heavily after Kmet left the game last week. According to NFL insider Adam Levitan, Loveland ran routes in 17 of 27 Caleb Williams' drop-backs last week.

Could this be the start of the Colston Loveland show in Chicago, or will he continue to struggle in his transition from college to the NFL?

MORE NFL NEWS:

• Rams' long-term outlook with Matthew Stafford raises concerns at age 37
• Jets address Week 8 QB situation between Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor
• Trey Hendrickson trade update: Bengals reveal stance on moving 2024 sack leader
• Saints' Kellen Moore is noncommittal on Spencer Rattler as starting QB for rest of season