Story perspectives

Bears Place Cole Kmet on Injured Reserve, Season Over

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 10:18 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Bears Lose Kmet

The Chicago Bears placed tight end Cole Kmet on injured reserve, ending his 2026 season.
Coach Ben Johnson said Kmet suffered a right-knee injury in quarter of the 30-24 win over New England Patriots.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the injury is likely a torn ACL, which will end Kmet’s season.
Johnson called Kmet a ‘glue guy’ and leader, saying his loss creates a hole in Bears’ offense.

Summary

Bears Draft Loveland

The Bears drafted first-round tight end Colston Loveland in 2025 to complement Kmet.
Rookie Sam Roush, a third-round pick from Stanford, is expected to assume a larger role.
Coach Johnson said swing tackle Ozzy Trapilo could line up as an extra tight end in jumbo packages.
With the trade deadline on Nov. 10, Chicago may pursue another veteran tight end.

History

Historical Context

In 2013, New England Patriots lost star tight end Rob Gronkowski to a torn ACL, sidelining him for the season. Gronkowski, a three-time Pro Bowler, missed 12 games and cost the Patriots an estimated $12 million in lost production. Similarly, Chicago Bears' 2026 season lost Cole Kmet to a suspected ACL tear, pushing the team toward rookie Colston Loveland and swing tackle Ozzy Trapilo. The Patriots' 2013 setback forced Bill Belichick to redesign offensive schemes, illustrating how tight-end injuries can reshape roster strategy and draft priorities for years.

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Bears Lose Kmet

The Chicago Bears placed tight end Cole Kmet on injured reserve, ending his 2026 season.
Coach Ben Johnson said Kmet suffered a right-knee injury in quarter of the 30-24 win over New England Patriots.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the injury is likely a torn ACL, which will end Kmet’s season.
Johnson called Kmet a ‘glue guy’ and leader, saying his loss creates a hole in Bears’ offense.

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