Bears Final Week 8 Injury Report: Cole Kmet's official injury status vs. Ravens leaves the door wide open for Colston Loveland

Rookie TE Colston Loveland primed for a big opportunity as TE1

With veteran tight end Cole Kmet officially ruled out, the door is open for rookie first-round pick Colston Loveland to have his long-awaited breakout performance. Loveland has played 46.8 of the team's offensive snaps this season but only has totaled eight receptions for 78 yards.

“I’m pleased with how Colston Loveland is playing, and I know the production, call it six games into it, isn't what any of us maybe had looked for from a numbers perspective, but he’s impacting games in a very positive fashion, and he’s a reason why our offense is going to continue to get better," Bears head coach Ben Johnson said earlier in the week.

Loveland has consistently improved as a complete tight end and is starting to earn even more trust from the coaching staff, and more importantly, from quarterback Caleb Williams in the passing game.

"I think he is a plus receiver," offensive coordinator Declan Doyle explained. "He's really good, within the route, creating separation. He's really friendly to throw to. He's a big target. In those crunch time moments, I think that we're building that chemistry with Caleb of him being more comfortable throwing to (Loveland) in those moments."

It's setting up to be a perfect storm for the rookie to prove why the Bears selected him with the 10th overall pick in a favorable matchup for opposing tight ends.

Other observations

• A late addition to the injury report ended up being a big one with nickel Kyler Gordon ruled out due to a groin and calf injury. Gordon previously missed the first four weeks of the season due to a hamstring injury but returned to action the last two weeks with impactful play.
• Keeping it in the secondary, outside cornerback Tyrique Stevenson will be out as well due to a shoulder injury suffered in last week's win. Luckily, fellow cornerback Nahshon Wright progressed well after initially being on the injury report with a hip injury. Wright will serve as CB1 with Nick McCloud on the outside and Josh Blackwell in the nickel.
• Veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett will be back in action for the first time since Week 3. Usually a durable player, Jarrett's been dealing with a knee injury but was a full participant during the final two days of practice this week.
• For the second week in a row, D'Andre Swift will be listed as questionable. Swift played through the groin injury last week and led the team with 19 carries and 124 yards, but it's worth noting rookie running back Kyle Monangai saw a season-high 13 carries for 81 yards in that game.
• Kicker Cairo Santos is the other notable designation with a questionable tag despite being a full participant on Wednesday and Thursday. The Bears have one more elevation to use on practice squad kicker Jake Moody, and could use that to give Santos another full week to heal.