Cole Kmet Injury Update: Bears TE’s Status, Return Timeline & Fantasy Impact

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet was carted to the locker room late in Thursday night’s 30-24 win over the Patriots after his right knee buckled awkwardly on a block attempt. The team ruled him out within minutes—a swift designation that often signals a significant injury—and post-game head coach Matt Eberflus said the club will know more after Friday’s MRI, but “it didn’t look good” on initial exams. Before exiting, Kmet caught all three of his targets for 28 yards, flashing the sure hands Chicago values in the red zone. His departure forced second-year pro Colston Loveland into every-down duty; Loveland responded with seven grabs, 69 yards and a touchdown, and would become the primary tight end if Kmet faces an extended absence. A lengthy recovery would be a crushing blow for Kmet, who signed a four-year extension last offseason and had already battled back and concussion issues earlier in 2026. It would also challenge offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s two-tight-end packages that help protect quarterback Caleb Williams. Expect the Bears to elevate blocking specialist Teven Jenkins from the practice squad or scour the trade market with the deadline two weeks away. Fantasy football managers should prepare now. Loveland vaults into the mid-TE1 conversation thanks to his expanding route share, while Williams’ short-area target volume may shift toward slot receiver Rome Odunze. Kmet can be moved to injured reserve spots in most leagues until test results confirm his timetable. For Chicago, the loss tests its depth just as the offense was gaining rhythm. The Bears visit the Seahawks’ sixth-ranked run defense next Sunday, and losing Kmet’s edge-sealing presence could tilt the game plan toward quick-hitting passes and outside-zone runs for D’Andre Swift. Official word on the MRI is expected Friday afternoon; check back for updates as soon as results are released.