Sports
Bears tight end Cole Kmet to miss rest of season after knee injury
Coach Ben Johnson confirmed Friday that Cole Kmet will miss the remainder of the season after injuring his right knee in Chicago’s 30-24 win over New England. The longtime Bear had 10 catches, 87 yards and one touchdown this season.
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet will miss the rest of the season after injuring his right knee late in Thursday night’s 30-24 victory over the New England Patriots at Soldier Field, head coach Ben Johnson said Friday.
Kmet was hurt with 5:34 remaining after catching a pass from quarterback Caleb Williams and turning upfield. He was tackled by Patriots defenders Robert Spillane and Christian Gonzalez, then grabbed his right knee as he went down.
Johnson described the 27-year-old Arlington Heights native as a leader and a central presence in the locker room. “He’s a big part of our heartbeat,” Johnson said, adding that he hated the news for Kmet and his teammates.
Kmet has been the longest-tenured player on Chicago’s roster. Drafted in the second round out of Notre Dame in 2020, he signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension in 2023. He finished this season with 10 receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown.
The injury leaves Colston Loveland, another of the Bears’ primary tight ends, likely to take on a larger role. Rookie Sam Roush is the only other tight end currently on the active roster, and Johnson said the team has options to fill the position.
Williams told reporters he would support Kmet throughout his recovery. Johnson called Kmet a “glue guy” and said the team would keep moving forward without him.