Bears Share Injury Update on No. 10 NFL Draft Pick Colston Loveland

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Loveland entered the draft process injured. He missed three games for the Wolverines in 2024 after suffering a dislocated shoulder early in the campaign. Loveland battled through that issue to appear in 10 of 13 contests, though he ultimately required surgery in late January to address it.

The tight end, who produced 56 catches for 582 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season despite his injury and an abysmal pass attack in Ann Arbor, may still have to wait a couple of months before he returns to 100% health. 

Johnson offered an update on Loveland's progress during a media session on Friday, May 9. 

"It’s a matter of meeting, watching the tape, walking through -- particularly with a guy like Colston right now who’s a little dinged up still. So we’re rehabbing him," Johnson said. "That’s a priority for us, getting him back healthy. Because the sooner he gets back healthy, then we get the full-speed reps, and that’s where it all comes together. So it’s more mental, and we’re going to take full opportunity of the time we have with him over the next six weeks."

Loveland inked a four-year deal worth $26.6 million following the draft. Chicago also holds a fifth-year team option on the tight end's contract in 2029 due to his status as a first-round pick.