Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet will miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after suffering a right knee injury during Thursday's game against the New England Patriots. The injury was confirmed to be season-ending, raising questions about how the Bears’ offense will adjust in his absence.

Kmet, a seventh-year veteran, had been a central figure in the Bears' offense, playing 62% of offensive snaps in the first seven games and contributing both as a receiver and a blocker. He recorded 10 catches for 87 yards in the game prior to his injury and frequently lined up alongside fellow tight end Colston Loveland. Together, the pair comprised the Bears’ third-most-used personnel group, deployed in 18 plays.

Head coach Ben Johnson downplayed concerns about changing the offensive scheme, stating that the team has prepared all their tight ends to fulfill multiple roles. Johnson highlighted alternatives such as increasing jumbo packages with an extra offensive lineman or relying more heavily on existing tight ends to maintain both the running and passing games.

Despite Johnson’s assurances, he acknowledged Kmet’s significant influence as a dependable player and locker-room presence. “He’s one of the glue guys,” Johnson said, noting Kmet’s consistent performance and leadership. “He will be missed, there’s no question about it.”

The Bears are expected to lean more on Colston Loveland, who has already seen increased involvement this season. Loveland has played in 86% of offensive snaps, up from 65% last year, and leads the team with 26 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Since the return of quarterback Caleb Williams, Loveland’s target share and red-zone involvement have notably increased.

Rookie tight end Sam Roush, selected in the third round, is also likely to see an expanded role. Although primarily valued for his blocking, Roush has played 22% of offensive snaps and contributed on special teams. Coaches have been pleased with his progression despite some early penalties, and expect his playing time to rise as the Bears compensate for Kmet’s absence.

Other tight ends in the Bears organization include Stephen Carlson and Qadir Ismail, both of whom are currently on the practice squad, and Hayden Large, who is on injured reserve but remains an option if he recovers. Coaches will evaluate their readiness ahead of Monday night’s game against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

As the Bears prepare for the coming weeks, the team maintains a focus on collective effort, with Loveland emphasizing the importance of embracing defined roles for overall success. “We all understand we’re going to have roles… as long as we play the heck out of that role,” he said. The Bears aim to adapt quickly and preserve the functionality of their offense despite losing a key contributor.