Chicago Bears star leaves field ‘visibly upset’ with injury

There is no word yet on the exact type of injury Kmet is dealing with. Meaning for now, Bears fans must hold their breath. But if the tight end is dealing with a long-term ailment, it would take a massive bite out of Chicago’s offense. Chicago will likely update Kmet’s status soon, at which point those fans will either be breathing a sight of relief or grasping for air.

What Cole Kmet offers Chicago Bears 

With the Bears using their No. 10 overall pick on fellow tight end Colston Loveland, Kmet immediately saw his name in trade rumors. But on the contrary, head coach Ben Johnson has been adamant that the tight end will still have a feature role in the offense. Kmet had looked impressive during Loveland’s own injury absence and appeared well on his way to following through on Johnson’s claim.

The tight end is coming off of a down season, catching 47 passes for 474 yards and four yards. But everyone on the Bears’ offense is coming off of a poor campaign. A year prior, Kmet set new career-highs with 73 receptions and 719 yards. In 2023, he set a new career-best with seven touchdown grabs.

Johnson loved to run 12 personnel during his time with the Detroit Lions, meaning Kmet and Loveland should share the field quite often. However, each offer completely different skill sets. Kmet will be more a blocker and short-to-intermediate player while Loveland will be a playmaker all over the gridiron. Both will be mismatches against linebackers and carry big roles in the red zone.

But at least in Kmet’s case, that’s all a moot point until more information about his injury is revealed. Perhaps it was something minor and the Bears are just operating with precaution. Still, Kmet’s reaction to the injury casts some dark clouds over the situation.