Full Breakdown
Cole Kmet’s Season-Ending Knee Injury Shakes Chicago Bears’ Offense
By Drooid · · How we work
The Injury on the Field
In the fourth quarter of the Bears’ Week 7 30-24 win over the New England Patriots, tight end Cole Kmet caught an 8-yard pass from quarterback Caleb Williams, turned upfield and was hit by Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and linebacker Robert Spillane. He immediately grabbed his right knee, could not bear weight and was carted off Soldier Field. The play came with just over five minutes left and Chicago leading by six points.
Background & Context
Kmet entered Chicago as a second-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2020 and has spent his entire seven-year career with the Bears. He is the longest-tenured offensive player on the roster and logged the eighth-highest snap share on offense (62 % of snaps) this season. While his receiving numbers have dipped—10 catches for 87 yards and one touchdown through seven games—he remains the league’s most active blocking tight end, recording 197 blocking snaps through Week 6 (Pro Football Focus). Kmet signed a four-year, $50 million extension in July 2023; his 2026 cap hit is $15.4 million with a $5.4 million dead-cap charge.
Data & Statistics
- Season production: 10 receptions, 87 yards, 1 TD (7 games).
- Career totals: 298 catches, 3,026 yards, 22 TDs.
- Blocking: 197 blocking snaps (most by any TE through Week 6).
- Contract: $15.4 million cap hit in 2026; $7.8 million guaranteed for 2026, rising to $15.4 million in 2027.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Ben Johnson confirmed that Kmet’s injury is “serious” and will place him on injured reserve, ending his 2026 season. He said the Bears will rely on depth at tight end, with Colston Loveland assuming the primary pass-catching role and rookie Sam Roush expected to see increased snaps.
Quarterback Caleb Williams expressed disappointment, calling Kmet “the longest-tenured Bear” and pledging support during recovery.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported the injury is “likely season-ending” and that testing was underway the morning after the game.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don't think it looked very good,” — Ben Johnson, head coach
- “There's not a lot of optimism here,” — Ian Rapoport, ESPN reporter
- “He’s everything we want to be about here. He’s going to be sorely missed. He’s Chicago. He’s been here his whole life. He’s a big part of our heartbeat. It stinks. It does. I hate it for him,” — Ben Johnson, head coach
Impact on the Depth Chart
With Kmet unavailable, the Bears’ tight-end rotation shifts. Colston Loveland, the No. 1 receiving tight end, will handle the bulk of target volume. Sam Roush, a third-round rookie from Stanford, is projected to move into the No. 2 role despite a rocky start (three catches for 33 yards, multiple penalties). Practice-squad veterans Stephen Carlson and Qadir Ismail remain emergency options, and the front office has identified free-agent candidates such as Albert Okwuegbunam and Will Dissly as potential long-term replacements.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial reports described the injury as a “serious knee injury” with a high likelihood of ending Kmet’s season. Some outlets cited a former team physician’s speculation of a torn ACL, though the Bears have not confirmed a specific diagnosis. Other sources emphasized that final determination will await further testing, leaving the exact nature of the injury unverified.
What’s Next
The Bears’ next game is on November 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, giving the team roughly an 11-day window to adjust the offensive scheme and evaluate Roush’s readiness for a larger role. Further medical updates are expected after Friday testing, when the decision on placing Kmet on injured reserve will be formalized.