Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after sustaining a serious right knee injury during Thursday night’s 30-24 victory over the New England Patriots. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter when Kmet was tackled after a reception, forcing him to leave the field on a cart. The team placed him on injured reserve the following day.
Kmet, 27, is the longest-tenured player on the Bears roster, having been selected in the second round of the 2020 draft out of Notre Dame. Despite modest passing statistics this season—10 catches for 87 yards and one touchdown across seven games—Kmet’s impact extends beyond the stat sheet. He has been a critical component of the Bears’ offense due to his blocking ability and versatility, contributing significantly to the team’s rushing attack and offering strategic flexibility in tight end formations.
Head coach Ben Johnson expressed regret over the injury, calling Kmet “the heartbeat” of the team and highlighting his importance on and off the field. Quarterback Caleb Williams also acknowledged Kmet’s leadership role, emphasizing the veteran’s resilience through the team’s recent ups and downs, including a 3-14 season in 2022 and the NFC North Division title the Bears captured last year.
Kmet’s injury places increased responsibility on fellow tight ends Colston Loveland and rookie Sam Roush. Loveland, in his second year, has been showing improvement after a slow start, recording 13 receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns in the last two games. Roush, a third-round pick, has had limited production with three catches for 33 yards but is expected to develop as the season progresses. Johnson expressed confidence in Roush’s ability to learn from early-season mistakes and contribute more in the coming weeks.
Additional depth at the tight end position includes Stephen Carlson and Qadir Ismail, both on the practice squad, while rookie Hayden Large remains on injured reserve. The Bears, currently 5-2, will look to adjust their rotation and maintain offensive balance as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their key players.