Bears lose tight end Cole Kmet for season after knee injury
Chicago tight end Cole Kmet was sidelined for the remainder of the season following a right-knee injury suffered against the New England Patriots, prompting comments from coach Ben Johnson and others.
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet will miss the rest of the season after sustaining a right knee injury in the fourth quarter of Thursday night’s game against the New England Patriots. The team has not released further details about the injury.
Kmet, 27, was carted off the field late in the contest. His absence comes as the Bears’ offense had been gaining momentum following quarterback Caleb Williams’ return from a hamstring injury.
"It stinks. It does. I hate it for him. I hate it for his teammates as well," Bears coach Ben Johnson said.
Kmet, in his seventh season, is the longest-tenured player on the roster and ranks second among Bears tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, behind only Mike Ditka.
Former high school coach Dave Archibald expressed confidence in Kmet’s recovery, saying the player will remain a strong teammate during rehab.
"He’ll be the best teammate that he can be and continue to be a great teammate to everyone in his position group and love the city that loves him and go into the rehab full go. I have no doubt," Archibald said.
With Kmet out, second-year tight end Colston Loveland and rookie Sam Roush are expected to assume larger roles. Some fans voiced optimism about the team’s ability to adjust.
"I have a lot of faith in Ben Johnson. I’m sure he’s going to spin up someone. I’m sure we have the right backup," fan Vishal Shah said.
The Bears are 5-2 in the season and remain in contention for the NFC North lead held by the Minnesota Vikings, who are 5-0.