On Thursday night, the Chicago Bears selected tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 10 pick knowing he was in recovery from an AC joint dislocation he suffered in 2024.
Loveland sustained the injury in Week 3 but played through Michigan’s contest against Northwestern on Nov. 23 before ending his season early due to the issue.
Loveland was hoping to avoid surgery but wound up having a procedure done on Jan. 29. While his doctor was hopeful in February that he could participate (no contact) in OTAs and be fully ready to go by training camp, it appears he’ll miss OTAs.
While speaking with the media on Friday, Loveland said that he would be out six months from the date of his surgery. He can do most activities except for heavy lifting.
“Six months was the timetable,” Loveland said on when he could return to practice after his surgery. “We’re three out right now, and it feels great. I got full range of motion and everything. Can do really everything but just like super heavyweight. So right now we’re in a good spot running–can catch balls.”
Six months would put his return date at July 29, a little after the beginning of training camp.
Loveland played through the injury for most of last season and was frustrated when he found out he’d need surgery months after his season ended.
“Yeah, it was frustration,” Loveland said. “But I’m a believer in God, and I thought, you know, he’s got a plan for me, and this is it’s all gonna work out in the end, which, you know, it did… I was like, week three, I think I sat out the next week, and then kind of just every time you landed on it or catch a ball or block someone, it hurt so but after a couple weeks, it kind of just got better.
“And then, yeah, I didn’t know I needed it (surgery), and then found out how to get it. But all good now.”
Loveland was Michigan’s leading receiver last season with 56 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns. Loveland’s credited his upbringing in Idaho for teaching him the values of hard work and toughness.
Given his production at Michigan playing with an injury, the Bears are getting a blue-collar worker… whenever he can return to the field.
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