Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland was limited in practice Friday because of a neck injury, the first time the second-year player has appeared on an injury report in more than a year.
Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic first reported the development. Loveland had been a full participant Thursday, so the midweek addition raised questions about his availability for Monday night.
The Bears face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8 on Monday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. ET at Lumen Field. Chicago is 5-2 and coming off a 30-24 win over the New England Patriots.
It remains unclear when Loveland suffered the neck issue or how serious it is. The team will hold one more practice before final injury designations are released.
The timing is especially concerning because the Bears already lost fellow tight end Cole Kmet for the rest of the season. Kmet suffered a serious right knee injury in the fourth quarter of the Week 7 victory over the Patriots and was placed on injured reserve.
With Kmet out, Loveland becomes the clear top option at the position. Rookie third-round pick Sam Roush is the next healthy tight end on the 53-man roster.
Loveland, selected 10th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Michigan, had a strong rookie year. He finished with 58 catches for 713 yards and six touchdowns.
This season started more slowly. Through the first five games, Loveland caught 13 passes for 110 yards and no touchdowns.
He has heated up over the last two weeks. In games against the Atlanta Falcons and Patriots, Loveland recorded 13 catches for 134 yards and two scores.
That recent production gives him 26 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns on the year. He has been targeted 40 times and is averaging 9.4 yards per catch.
The uptick coincides with increased involvement in the offense under coach Ben Johnson. Loveland led the team with 12 targets in the Patriots game.
Chicago’s tight end depth is thin beyond Loveland and Roush. Practice squad options exist, but a significant absence for Loveland would force the Bears to lean on younger or less experienced players in a key matchup.
Other injuries complicate the picture. Running back Kyle Monangai (toe) did not practice again and appears likely to miss a fourth straight game. Several defensive players were also limited or out.
The Bears entered the week focused on continuing their strong start and pushing for a deep playoff run. Loveland’s status will be watched closely through the weekend as the team prepares for prime-time football in Seattle.
